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Hey smarties! We’re on a break for the holidays and revisiting some of our top episodes from 2024. We can’t do this show without you and we still need your support. If you can, donate today to keep independent journalism going strong into 2025 and beyond. Give now to support “Make Me Smart.” Thank you so much for your generosity, happy holidays and we’ll see you in the new year.

In case you haven’t heard, the Summer Olympics aren’t over! This year’s Paralympics kick off in Paris on Aug. 28. It’s the first time all 22 Paralympic events will be aired live, and total broadcast revenues are up by more than 20% from the delayed 2020 Paralympics. Chuck Aoki, an American Paralympic wheelchair rugby player, said content creators like himself are also bringing eyes to the event. On the show today, Aoki breaks down the basics of wheelchair rugby (aka “murderball”), the system that classifies para athletes based on their disability, and why this year’s Paralympics are getting more buzz than ever.

Then, we’ll get into how pharmaceutical companies’ new direct-to-consumer programs could impact drug prices. And, listeners tell us about the trafficless 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, and a lesson in credit cards learned the hard, heartbreaking way.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Passion And Guts: Chuck Aoki’s World of Wheelchair Rugby” from Team USA
“Paralympic Games in Paris set to reach largest audience after broadcast deals” from The Guardian
“What sports are in the Paralympics and how does the classification system work?” from AP News
“How to Watch the 2024 Summer Paralympics: Streaming Schedule, Free Options” from Wired
“Pfizer Follows Lilly With Website Selling Directly to Patients” from Bloomberg
“Eli Lilly lowering weight loss drug prices” from The Hill
“Health Insurance Costs Will Rise Steeply if Premium Tax Credit Improvements Expire” from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
“How Much and Why ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Going Up in 2025” from KFF
“Pfizer launches new website for migraine, respiratory offerings” from Reuters
“Panama Canal Eases Limits That Caused Global Shipping Bottleneck” from Bloomberg

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Today we’re talking about food. Specifically, Big Food. In his book, “Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry,” Austin Frerick, agricultural and antitrust policy fellow at Yale, argues the food system is the most consolidated sector in the United States. On the show today, Frerick explains how the American food system became so concentrated, how that’s inflated prices and eroded quality, and what we should do about it. Plus, Walmart’s role as king of grocery kings.

Then, we’ll get into why Boeing can’t keep up with SpaceX. And, an expert on youth mental health (and former guest on “Make Me Smart”) was wrong about how teens curate their social media feeds.

Here’s everything else we talked about today:

“Lax Antitrust Enforcement Imperils The Nation’s Supply Chains” from Forbes
“What Is “Big Ag,” and Why Should You Be Worried About Them?” from Union of Concerned Scientists
“The problem with growing corporate concentration and power in the global food system” from Nature Food
“Major retailers are offering summer deals to entice inflation-weary shoppers” from AP News
“US Consumer Confidence Rises for First Time in Four Months” from Bloomberg
“Inflation now means high prices, not just rising costs” from Axios
“What do Americans think about inflation?” from The Brookings Institution
“Boeing Prepared to Fly Crewed Space Taxi With Helium Leak” from Bloomberg

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Hey Smarties! We’re on a break for the holidays and revisiting some of our top episodes from 2024. We can’t do this show without you and we still need your support. If you can, donate today to keep independent journalism going strong into 2025 and beyond. Give now to support “Make Me Smart.” Thank you so much for your generosity, happy holidays and we’ll see you in the new year.

If you’ve been feeling hopeless about the news, the election, the economy, the climate crisis and everything else that’s going on, today’s episode is for you. Emily Amick, lawyer and co-author of “Democracy in Retrograde: How to Make Changes Big and Small in Our Country and in Our Lives,” argues we can all become better participants in our democracy. And we don’t need to have a gazillion dollars to do it. On the show today, Amick explains why we should treat civic engagement as self-care, how to find your civic personality and ways to cultivate a news diet that doesn’t put you in a doom loop. Plus, the moment she realized our democracy was headed in the wrong direction.

Then, we’ll get into how voters in Utah fought to protect the power of citizen-led ballot initiatives and why shoppers hide purchases from their romantic partners. Plus, an anime cosplayer was wrong about what it would take to create her own costume.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Despite Recent Setbacks, There Is Still Hope For Democracy” from Forbes
“In ‘Democracy in Retrograde,’ Emily Amick Talks About Political Engagement and Her Cancer Diagnosis” from Teen Vogue
“What does Utah’s redistricting ruling do to voters’ ability to change laws?” from The Salt Lake Tribune
“Utah Supreme Court: Lawmakers must heed voter-passed gerrymandering reforms “ from Axios Salt Lake City
“Amazon’s Prime Day a ‘major’ cause of worker injuries, Senate probe finds” from CNBC
“US Retail Sales Excluding Autos Rise by Most in Three Months” from Bloomberg
“Gym Bags, Trunks, Back Doors: How Stealth Shoppers Hide Purchases” from The Wall Street Journal
“Financial Infidelity Report 2023: Why People Hide Purchases From Partners” from Circuit
“Inside a UPS warehouse that prioritizes super-fast shipping” from Marketplace

How are you getting involved in civic life? What helps you fend off feelings of hopelessness? Let us know at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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For our final episode of 2024, we’re throwing a holiday party with music, festive hats, drinks and a game. But we can’t forget about the news. The incoming Donald Trump administration is looking into the feasibility of eliminating the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. We’ll get into it. And, we’ll unpack the public rage over the United States healthcare system that dominated the news this week. Plus, how much do our hosts remember about the biggest business headlines of the year?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Trump Advisers Seek to Shrink or Eliminate Bank Regulators” from The Wall Street Journal
Opinion | “UnitedHealth Group C.E.O.: Brian Thompson Was Never Content With the Status Quo” from The New York Times
“UnitedHealth Limits Access to Key Treatment for Kids With Autism” from ProPublica
“Boeing’s year of turbulence in five charts” from Reuters
“Why TikTok Faces a U.S. Ban, and What’s Next?” from The New York Times
“CrowdStrike outage: We finally know what caused it – and how much it cost” from CNN Business
“SpaceX Polaris Dawn astronauts perform historic 1st private spacewalk in orbit” from Space
“US ties China in Paris Olympics gold medal count after Americans’ women’s hoops win” from AP News

We’ll be back with new episodes in 2025! In the meantime, you can email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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A group of lawmakers have introduced legislation that would break up health care conglomerates, aiming to rein in the power of pharmacy benefit managers. We’ll explain what PBMs do and why all sides of the health care industry are pointing fingers at one another over high costs. And, we’ll get into how the future of the Trump-era tax cuts could impact the federal deficit and why General Motors is ditching its robotaxi business. Plus, now’s your chance to talk with an AI Santa Claus.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Yellen Talks Russia Sanctions, Tariffs and Deficit” from Bloomberg via YouTube
“Yellen says Trump’s tariffs could derail US inflation progress, raise costs” from Reuters
“Senators Warren and Hawley introduce a bipartisan bill to break up pharmacy-benefit managers” from CNBC via YouTube
“Elizabeth Warren, Josh Hawley Co-Sponsor Bill to Break Up Giant Health Care Conglomerates” from The New York Times
“What is a pharmacy benefit manager, anyway?” from Marketplace
“GM to stop funding troubled Cruise autonomous vehicle unit, abandoning robotaxis” from CBS San Francisco
“GM to Shut Down Its Cruise Robotaxi Project” from The New York Times
“OpenAI introduces ‘Santa Mode’ to ChatGPT for ho-ho-ho voice chats” from Ars Technica

Tomorrow is our last episode of the year! Join us for our annual holiday party on “Economics on Tap.” The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

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Some states are trying to lure companies seeking to move their headquarters by offering a slew of financial perks. We’ll explain how these big relocations can impact local economies and the businesses themselves. And, the House of Representatives passed a defense bill that would restrict transgender medical care for children covered by the military’s health program. We’ll unpack how federal funding for health care can be used as a powerful political tool. Plus, do you dread winter? We’ll get into some tips for embracing the season.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Transgender Provision Injects Tension Into Defense Vote” from The Wall Street Journal
“Will Democrats Let the GOP Gut Trans Health Care?” from Rolling Stone
“Brace for a Nationwide Shuffle of Corporate Headquarters” from Bloomberg
“9 Ways to Embrace Winter — Even if You Think You Hate It” from Time
“New Jersey Politician Fakes Spotify Wrapped to Show All Springsteen Songs” from The New York Times

We love to hear from you. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Before this year’s election, Heather Cox Richardson, a historian at Boston College, joined “Make Me Smart” live in Boston to unpack the high stakes for our economy and democracy. Now that the election is over and the transition to a second Donald Trump administration is underway, we’re following up.

On the show today, Richardson weighs in on the election aftermath. She explains how the current media environment in the United States played into the election, how economic narratives have influenced American politics throughout history, and what the past can tell us about how President-elect Trump might brand his economic agenda while in office.

Then, we’ll get into the bipartisan effort to add federal judges that’s suddenly falling apart. And, author Evan Schwartz was wrong about the inspiration behind L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“December 9, 2024” from “Letters from an American”
“What Donald Trump’s Win Means for the Economy” from Time
Opinion: “Voters prefer Harris’s agenda to Trump’s — they just don’t realize it. Take our quiz.” from The Washington Post
“On Issue After Issue, Trump Promises the Moon. No Word on the Rocket.” from The New York Times
“Biden special envoy for hostages is in Beirut in search of Austin Tice” from The Washington Post
“House sets up vote on bill to add dozens of new federal judgeships” from Roll Call
“Ernst, Under MAGA Pressure, Signals Backing for Hegseth’s Pentagon Bid” from The New York Times

Power the show with a donation today and don’t forget to pick up one of our thank you gifts at a discount. Head to marketplace.org/givesmart.

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A person of interest in the killing of UnitedHealthcare Chief Executive Brian Thompson was arrested today. We’ll get into the public’s reaction to the killing and what it says about our for-profit health system. Plus, we discuss the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in U.S. history, which is projected to take place over the next 25 years. And, Dick Van Dyke has us smiling as he waltzes into his 99th birthday.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Live Updates: Police Identify ‘Strong Person of Interest’ in C.E.O.’s Killing” from The New York Times
“Suspect in fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson ID’d as Luigi Mangione, an ex-Ivy League student” from New York Post
“Manhunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO Killer Meets Unexpected Obstacle: Sympathy for the Gunman” from The Wall Street Journal
“A $105 Trillion Inheritance Windfall Is On the Way for US Heirs” from Bloomberg
“Dick Van Dyke, Approaching 99, Dances in Coldplay’s Latest Video” from The New York Times
“Biden says U.S. government believes Austin Tice is alive in Syria” from Axios

We love to hear from you. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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NASA is pushing back its highly anticipated Artemis 2 mission from September 2025 to April 2026. It will be the first crewed mission to the moon since 1972. We’ll unpack NASA’s setbacks. Plus, momentum is building for a TikTok ban. And the hosts share their thoughts on the word of the year in a round of Half Full / Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“NASA delays Artemis 2 moon mission to 2026, Artemis 3 astronaut landing to mid-2027” from Space
“Trump Defends His Imperiled Pick for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth” from The New York Times
“Appeals court upholds nationwide TikTok ban-or-sale law” from The Washington Post
“TikTok advertisers stay put after US appeals court upholds law forcing sale” from Reuters
“Bitcoin mining surge strains energy grids as miners make a fortune” from Marketplace
“OpenAI is charging $200 a month for an exclusive version of its o1 ‘reasoning’ model” from The Verge
“50% off! Cyber Monday deal today only! (Kidding!)” from Marketplace
“Dolly Parton launches search for actors to play her in a new Broadway musical” from USA Today
“‘Brain rot’ is the Oxford University Press word of the year” from AP News

We love to hear from you. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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This year, Spotify’s popular Wrapped feature includes a podcast generated by artificial intelligence that tells users all about their individual listening habits from 2024. But it’s not perfect — at least not yet. We’ll get into it. And, we’ll explain how Amazon is getting into the AI chip game and what Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell anticipates from a second Trump administration. Plus, why talks for a global treaty to manage plastic pollution were a bust.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Nvidia Rules A.I. Chips, but Amazon and AMD Emerge as Contenders” from The New York Times
“Amazon Announces Supercomputer, New Server Powered by Homegrown AI Chips” from The Wall Street Journal
“Powell: Fed’s independence from politics is vital to its interest rate decisions” from AP News
“In a 2nd Trump term, Fed independence would go “out the window,” economist says” from Marketplace
“Climate activist calls for plastic treaty after UN summit failure” from Reuters
“Nations Fail to Reach an Agreement on Plastic Pollution” from The New York Times
“Spotify Wrapped 2024 adds an AI podcast powered by Google’s NotebookLM” from TechCrunch

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

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President Joe Biden today announced an additional $600 million investment in a rail project that will connect multiple African countries. It will expand U.S. access to important minerals like cobalt and copper. But will it be enough to counter China’s dominance over the critical minerals supply chain? We’ll get into it. Plus, why President-elect Donald Trump’s trade adviser pick is giving us serious deja vu. And, Dylan Bachelet, the “Jack Sparrow” of “The Great British Baking Show,” is making us smile.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Biden in Africa pledges millions more for a rail project the US hopes will boost its influence there” from AP News
“Biden Hopes Train Project in Angola Defines Africa Legacy” from The New York Times
“Trump picks Peter Navarro as top trade advisor” from CNBC
“Q&A With Dylan Bachelet of ‘Great British Baking Show’” from The New York Times

If you haven’t made your gift to “Make Me Smart” yet, there’s still time! Make your donation here.

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Billionaire families contributed roughly 18% of all money raised during the 2024 election cycle. And many of those mega donors are being tapped for high-level positions in the incoming Donald Trump administration. This begs the question: Is the U.S. government controlled by the ultra rich? David Sirota, founder and editor in chief of The Lever, said he believes the U.S. resembles an oligarchy. On the show today, Sirota explains how the erosion of campaign finance regulations has created a culture in which big money in politics is normalized.

Then, we’ll get into China’s latest move in the ongoing chip trade war with the United States. Plus, what’s the correct way to pronounce “pecan”?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Election 2024: How Billionaire Avengers Destroyed Democracy” from The Lever
“What’s different about billionaire donor Elon Musk’s relationship with Trump” from Vox
“How billionaires are influencing the 2024 U.S. election” from Axios
“Battle of the billionaires: the mega rich spending to swing the US election” from Financial Times
“Remember that study saying America is an oligarchy? 3 rebuttals say it’s wrong.” from Vox
“China bans export of critical minerals to US as trade tensions escalate” from Reuters
“SpaceX Weighs Tender Offer Raising Valuation to $350 Billion” from Bloomberg
“Yes We Pecan, with Martha Stewart” from NPR

It’s Giving Tuesday! Your donation will be matched today when you support Marketplace.

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Nine of the Federal Reserve’s 12 reserve banks are on the Mississippi River or east of it. One former Fed official says it’s caused the central bank to disproportionately reflect the interests of the eastern United States. We’ll get into it. And, we’ll unpack how some businesses are pushing consumers to shop now in anticipation of potential tariffs under the incoming Donald Trump administration. Plus, we’ll smile about one runner’s 700-mile quest to create art on the GPS-tracking app Strava.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The Fed tilts toward the eastern U.S. It’s time to change that.” [gift link] from The Washington Post
“Now is the time to prepare for tariffs” from The Hill
“Tariffs and you: What products will cost more, when prices will rise, and what to buy now” from USA Today
“Buy Now Before Tariffs Hit, Retailers Are Telling Shoppers” from The Wall Street Journal
“Man ran 700 miles to make ‘insanely impressive’ art on GPS fitness app” [gift link] from The Washington Post
“Why not enlist an army of volunteer retirees?” from The Washington Post
“Do Your Passwords Meet the Proposed New Federal Guidelines?” from The Wall Street Journal

We love to hear from you. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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As many Americans prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving with their friends and families, gratitude is top of mind. We’ll break down research that shows how individual acts of kindness and connection can have large-scale impact. And, we’ll discuss a poignant firsthand account of an award-winning journalist experiencing homelessness. Plus, we’ll get into why the Justice Department isn’t satisfied with the National Association of Realtors commission lawsuit settlement, and why parking lots will be the new hot spot for solar energy in France.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“‘The DOJ is coming for NAR’: What’s next after the $418M settlement?” from HousingWire
“The Invisible Man” from Esquire
“An upward spiral – how small acts of kindness and connection really can change the world, according to psychology research” from The Conversation
“Solar installations are now mandatory for large parking lots in France” from The Progress Playbook

Let us know what you’re thankful for. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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This week, Black Friday kicks off the traditional holiday shopping season. But have you ever wondered about the origins of the shopping frenzy on the day after Thanksgiving? The little ones in your life may be wondering about that too. Today, we’re bringing you a special crossover episode from the latest season of Marketplace kids podcast “Million Bazillion.” Bridget and Ryan team up with the hosts of “Forever Ago” to explain Black Friday and what it has to do with a football game in Philadelphia. Plus, they share tips on how to shop smarter during the holiday season.

We love to hear from you. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Negotiators at the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP29, agreed on wealthy nations providing up to $300 billion a year to help poorer countries deal with the effects of climate change. We discuss the deal falling short of the $1.3 trillion poorer countries asked for. Then, we talk about how Tesla’s pollution violations could weaken the company’s eco-friendly image. And, we look at the costly Arizona program heralded by school choice advocates as a taxpayer-supported way to opt out of public schools. Plus, U.S. farm groups are preparing for possible mass deportations under the incoming Trump administration. Finally, we’ll smile at an A.I.-generated granny as an unlikely hero to combat phone scams.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“As Musk Assumes Deregulation Role, Tesla Racks Up Pollution Violations” from The Wall Street Journal
“Developing nations blast $300 billion COP29 climate deal as insufficient” from Reuters
“No-Limit Vouchers Are Blowing Up Arizona’s Budget. This Woman Is Leading the Way” from Politico
“US farm groups want Trump to spare their workers from deportation” from Reuters
“An A.I. Granny Is Phone Scammers’ Worst Nightmare” from The New York Times
“Giving thanks may make your brain more altruistic” from Vox
“The Case for Being Ungrateful” from The Wall Street Journal

We love to hear from you. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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The National Women’s Soccer League is in the final stages of adding its 16th team. We’ll explain what it can tell us about the rise of the women’s sports industry. And, the Supreme Court will review the funding model of a federal program that subsidizes internet and phone services in low-income areas of the country. Plus, we’ll weigh in on condiments and pie during a Thanksgiving-themed game of This or That!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“NWSL expansion: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver final options” from ESPN
“Denver named finalist for National Women’s Soccer League expansion team alongside Cincinnati, Cleveland” from The Denver Post
“Homes With Low Natural Disaster Risk Are Rising in Value Faster Than Homes With High Risk for the First Time in Over a Decade” from Redfin
“Supreme Court steps into fight over FCC’s $8 billion subsidies for internet and phone services” from AP News
“Supreme Court takes up dispute over FCC fund that subsidizes telecom services in rural areas” from CBS News

We love to hear from you. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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President-elect Donald Trump tapped Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick as his choice for Secretary of Commerce this week. We’ll get into why the role could be critical to the incoming Trump administration, which has vowed to enact sweeping tariffs. Then, we’ll explain why earnings at big-box retailers like Target and Walmart have been mixed ahead of the holiday season, and how the Justice Department wants to shakeup Google’s monopoly over the online search market. Plus, why is Bitcoin on a record-breaking streak?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Trump picks Lutnick to be Commerce secretary” from CNN
“Who will lead the Commerce Department?” from Marketplace
“Target’s Stock Plunges 21% on Weak Sales Ahead of Holiday Season” from The New York Times
“A tale of two retailers: Target reports sluggish spending while Walmart has a stellar quarter” from The Associated Press
“DOJ says Google must sell Chrome to crack open its search monopoly” from The Verge
“Bitcoin hits fresh record, marches toward $100,000 as rally continues” from CNBC

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

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Comcast said it plans to turn its cable networks, including CNBC and MSNBC, into a new, separate company. We’ll get into why it could be a sign of what’s to come in the media industry. And, the Joe Biden administration is shifting into overdrive trying to spend money intended to boost microchip manufacturing before President-elect Donald Trump returns to office. Plus, we’ll smile about breakthroughs in automatic braking technology and a new version of chess that’s pushing the game forward.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Comcast to Spin Off MSNBC, CNBC and Other Cable Networks” from The New York Times
“It’s Official! Comcast To Spin Off Cable Networks, Sees New Standalone Company A ‘Partner And Acquirer’ Of Media Assets” from Deadline
“Raimondo’s new mission: Leave no cash for Trump” from Politico
“Automatic Braking Systems Save Lives. Now They’ll Need to Work at 62 MPH” from Wired
“The Greatest Chess Player of All Time Is Bored With Chess” from The Wall Street Journal

We love to hear from you. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Today we’re talking about American exceptionalism: the idea that the United States is a uniquely virtuous nation and a “shining city on a hill.” It’s a belief that’s long shaped how the U.S. acts on the global stage and how Americans see themselves, the economy and democracy. In the aftermath of the U.S. presidential election, many Americans are questioning the idea of exceptionalism.

Journalist Suzy Hansen challenges the notion of American exceptionalism in her book “Notes on a Foreign Country: An American Abroad in a Post-American World.” On the show today, she explains where the idea of American exceptionalism comes from, how it has shaped today’s world, and why many Americans are disillusioned with it. Plus, is a new version of national pride the answer to the pitfalls of American exceptionalism?

Then, we’ll get into the creative ways the European Union is preparing for President-elect Donald Trump’s promised tariffs. Plus, perspectives from an American abroad and thoughts on mandatory national service.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Unlearning the myth of American innocence” from The Guardian
“Opinion | Is America a City on a Hill or a Nation on the Precipice?” from The New York Times
“The End of American Exceptionalism: Trump’s Reelection Will Redefine U.S. Power” from Foreign Affairs
“American Exceptionalism Is a Dangerous Myth” from Intelligencer
“The US is leaving millions behind: American exceptionalism needs to change by 2030” from The Brookings Institution
“Democrats look at late-night, weekend votes to confirm last Biden judicial nominees” from The Hill
“Locked and loaded? The EU weapons to fight Trump’s trade war.” from Politico
“Oil Glut Set to Thwart Trump’s Call to ‘Frack, Frack, Frack’” from Bloomberg

We love to hear from you. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Some critics of President-elect Donald Trump are preparing for the possibility of being prosecuted when he takes office. We’ll discuss Trump’s “retribution” agenda. Then, we’ll get into his pick to lead the Federal Communications Commission. Plus, what a meeting between “Morning Joe” hosts and Trump represents about access to information during the next administration. And, we’ll smile at the woman behind the curtain who inspired the “Wicked” lore.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Morning Joe’ Hosts Reveal Meeting With Trump at Mar-a-Lago” from The New York Times
“Brendan Carr wrote the FCC chapter in ‘Project 2025.’ Now he’s Trump’s pick for the agency” from CNN Business
“DoJ and FBI officials consult lawyers amid threats of Trump legal retribution | Trump administration” from The Guardian
“Go bags, passports, foreign assets: Preparing to be a target of Trump’s revenge” from The Washington Post
“The Feminist Who Inspired the Witches of Oz” from Smithsonian Magazine

We love to hear from you. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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The United States is on a mission to revitalize its chip manufacturing industry by giving billions in grants and loans to companies including Intel. But mistakes have cost Intel the opportunity to lead in artificial intelligence. Guest host Sabri Ben-Achour explains how the company fell behind. And, President-elect Donald Trump tapped Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency is responsible for more than you might think. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“What to know about HHS and how RFK Jr. could lead it” from Axios
“The Anti-Fluoride Movement Vaults Into the Mainstream” from The New York Times
“The Great American Microchip Mobilization” from Wired
“Satire publication The Onion buys Alex Jones’ Infowars at auction with Sandy Hook families’ backing” from AP News
“The Great Migration to Bluesky Gives Me Hope for the Future of the Internet” from 404 Media
“Want to Network in Silicon Valley? Bring a Bathing Suit” from The Wall Street Journal
“Good-bye to the Broker Fee” from Curbed
“Americans Are Hoarding Their Friends” from The Atlantic

We love to hear from you. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Over the course of his campaign, President-elect Donald Trump made a lot of promises. What does that mean for the years ahead? Today we’re answering your questions about Trump’s second term. We’ll explain whether the Trump administration could actually eliminate the Department of Education, how income tax cuts for tips and overtime pay could impact the economy, and where the Biden administration’s student debt relief plans go from here. Plus, if not tariffs, then what?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Could Trump actually get rid of the Department of Education?” from Vox
“Is It Possible for Trump to Shut the Department of Education?” from The New York Times
“Donald Trump Tax Plan Ideas: Details and Analysis” from the Tax Foundation
“Both Harris and Trump want to eliminate federal taxes on tips” from Marketplace
“As the election nears, Biden’s student debt agenda is in tatters. Will it hurt Harris?” from USA Today
“What a Trump presidency might mean for student loan forgiveness” from NPR
“As Trump Threatens a Wider Trade War, the U.S. Confronts a Changed China” from The New York Times
“Why Alternatives To Tariffs Can Be More Effective” from NPR
“Nontariff Barrier: Definition, How It Works, Types, and Examples” from Investopedia

Heads up: Tomorrow’s “Economics on Tap” episode won’t be livestreamed on our YouTube channel. But you can still listen wherever you get your podcasts.

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President Biden’s hallmark Inflation Reduction Act set aside nearly $150 billion for various climate projects. But not all of that money has been spent, and President-elect Trump has vowed to take it back. The question, is how much money is leftover? Kimberly explains why it’s taken years to get the money out the door. Plus, we’ll unpack some gains in women’s sports and wage growth.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Carbon emissions from fossil fuels hit record highs in 2024: report” from Axios
“Dreaming of snow this winter? Look up the forecast in your area.” from The Washington Post
“Fossil fuel CO2 emissions increase again in 2024” from the Global Carbon Project
“The mystery number that’s key to whether Biden’s spending survives” from Politico
“Women’s baseball players could soon have a league of their own again” from AP News
Tweet from The Washington Post’s Heather Long about wage growth

Got a question for the hosts about the election, Trump’s next presidency and the U.S. economy? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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COP29, the United Nations’ annual climate summit, is underway in Azerbaijan. This year’s conference is all about how the world will pay to deal with climate change. But Donald Trump’s election victory looms large over the talks. President-elect Trump could roll back United States climate policy like he did during his first term. On the show today, Gautam Jain, senior research scholar at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy, explains why climate investment won’t come to a complete halt under the next Trump administration. Plus, he weighs in on who might fill the void in global energy transition talks.

Plus, the message ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods is sending Trump about the nation’s energy policy. And, how early is too early for Christmas lights?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“What Trump can do to reverse US climate policy − and what he probably can’t change” from The Conversation
“COP29: What are the key issues at the UN climate summit in Baku?” from Reuters
“Trump Victory Leaves China Calling the Shots at COP29 Climate Negotiations” from The Wall Street Journal
“Burning Questions: What are the climate wins and setbacks from the election?” from Marketplace
“Exxon chief urges stability in US climate policy, knocks carbon border tariffs” from Politico

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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A new report estimates global damages from extreme weather events between 2014 and 2023 at about $2 trillion, roughly in line with the 2008 financial crisis. It comes as world leaders meet at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, or Cop29, under the shadow of President-elect Donald Trump’s promises to roll back environmental standards. We’ll get into what it all might mean for climate policy here at home. Plus, is economic growth abroad in Trump’s hands? Then, we’ll smile at Mattel’s mea culpa for a misprint on its new “Wicked” toys.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“‘Science is still science’: US still committed to climate fight despite Trump’s win, Podesta says at COP29” from Politico
“A shadow ‘financial crisis’ has cost the world $2 trillion” from CNN
“Rest of World’s Growth Is at Trump’s Mercy” from The Wall Street Journal
“FDA to Finally Ban Controversial Ingredient in Popular Decongestants” from ScienceAlert
“Mattel Apologizes for Porn Site Misprint on ‘Wicked’ Toy Packaging” from The Wall Street Journal

Got a question for the hosts about the election, Trump’s next presidency and the U.S. economy? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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The richest man in the world just became even more influential after pouring millions into former President Donald Trump’s reelection campaign. Tesla shares soared after Trump’s win and CEO Elon Musk was already invited to join a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. We’ll get into what the cozy relationship between Trump and Musk could mean for the U.S. economy and national security. And, we’ll talk about the many Americans who are looking to move abroad in the face of the U.S. election results. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Scoop: Elon Musk joined Trump’s call with Zelensky” from Axios
“Tesla hits $1 trillion market cap as stock rallies after Trump win” from CNBC
“Exhausted by the Election, Some Americans Are Catching Flights Abroad” from The New York Times
“American interest in Canadian citizenship is spiking again after Trump’s victory” from Politico
“Nvidia, Sherwin-Williams to replace Intel, Dow on Dow Jones” from Marketplace
“Steven Madden C.E.O. Says It Is Moving Production Out of China” from The New York Times
“Painting by A.I.-Powered Robot Sells for $1.1 Million” from The New York Times
“Pad Thai, Spring Rolls and a Side of Peacock? Why Streamers Are Teaming Up With Delivery Apps” from The Hollywood Reporter
“Should cars still have AM radios? Congress might require them.” from Marketplace

Got a question for the hosts about the election, Trump’s next presidency and the U.S. economy? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Today we’re handing the microphone over to our listeners to tell us how they’re reacting to the outcome of this week’s presidential election. We’ll hear their concerns about the future of transgender health care, the long-term economic impact of a second Trump presidency and why — even though it can be daunting — we can all make change if we start in our local communities. Plus, is this our Brexit moment?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Want to protect our democracy? Start here!” from our episode with lawyer and author Emily Amick
“For trans people reliant on federal programs, this election could change everything” from 19th News
“How to get your elected officials to listen to you” from Vox
“5 ways Trump’s next presidency could affect the U.S. economy — and your money” from CBS News

Got a question for the hosts about the election, Trump’s next presidency and the U.S. economy? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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The Democratic Party has traditionally been pro-union and relied on the support of the working class. But the results of yesterday’s election show the tide may be turning. We’ll get into how President-elect Trump enamored these voters to win another term in the White House and how we can expect a new Trump administration to shake up the economy and defy democratic norms. Plus, we’ll talk about some of the trailblazers elected to Congress and state offices.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Who is Bernie Moreno, Ohio’s new GOP senator-elect and crypto champion?” from The Washington Post
“Sarah McBride becomes the first out transgender person elected to Congress” from NBC News
“How markets are responding to the prospect of another Trump presidency” from Marketplace
“Black women notch historic Senate wins in an election year defined by potential firsts” from AP News
“Meet the history-makers of the 2024 elections” from CNN Politics
“How could the return of Trump-era ‘Schedule F’ job appointments reshape the federal workforce?” from Marketplace
“Donald Trump Has Tools to Fire Powerful Financial Regulator in Term Two” from Bloomberg

Send us all your thoughts, feelings and questions about the election. You can email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Today we’re talking about a breakout story of this election cycle: the rise of prediction markets and betting on elections. For the first time in a century, Americans can legally place bets on election outcomes using a platform called Kalshi. But the Commodity Futures Trading Commission warns that these markets could warp the public’s understanding of our elections if they’re treated like polls. On this Election Day episode, Cantrell Dumas of Better Markets, a financial reform advocacy group, explains how Americans are dabbling in election betting, the legal questions surrounding these prediction markets, and why he believes manipulation of these markets has the potential to sway elections.

Then, we’ll dig into the history of the “I Voted” sticker and hear a perfect poem for Election Day. Plus, a listener shares what moving abroad taught them about the U.S. voting system.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Election betting is newly legal — and risks getting confused with polls” from NBC News
“Exclusive: Election betting site Polymarket gives Trump a 67% chance of winning but is rife with fake ‘wash’ trading, researchers say” from Fortune Crypto
“Cryptoverse: U.S. election speculators play the prediction markets” from Reuters
“Wall Street regulator moves to ban election betting, escalating fight over new market” from Politico
“The Case for Legalizing Political Betting” from the Cato Institute
“How ‘I Voted’ Stickers Became an Election Day Staple” from Business Insider

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Live near a yoga studio? What about a golf course? Americans may experience the economy differently based on the politics of the neighborhoods they live in. We’ll dig into new data on the relationship between political affiliation and the businesses around us. Then, we’ll talk about a new revelation in the lawsuit against Elon Musk over his controversial $1 million-a-day voter sweepstakes. Plus, on this Election Day eve, we’re smiling about early turnout.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Musk PAC tells Philadelphia judge the $1 million sweepstakes winners are not chosen by chance” from The Associated Press
“How Red and Blue America Shop, Eat and Live” from The New York Times
“4 charts show how early voting is going in the US” from CNN

We love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Campaigns for both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are trying to get ahead of the curve on election legal battles. According to The Hill, there are already over 200 voting and election cases pending across the country. We’ll get into it. Then, we’ll explain how Trump’s recent battles with CBS and ABC could signal his intention to punish broadcasters if reelected. And, how do you feel about rolling back our clocks as daylight saving time ends? That and more in a round of Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“How Trump could weaponize the FCC against the media in a second term” from The Washington Post
“Trump, Harris camps prepare to ‘go to the mattress’ in election legal battles” from The Hill
“You Call That An Ad Blackout? Consultants Shrug Off Alphabet’s Post-Election Restrictions” from Campaigns & Elections

We love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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This Halloween, we’re looking at some new inflation data that’s got the Federal Reserve in good spirits. Its preferred inflation measure shows inflation fell to 2.1% last month, moving ever-so-closer to the Fed’s 2% target. We’ll get into why core inflation complicates the Fed’s good news. And, we’ll unpack why some Meta investors were spooked when CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company will amp up its artificial intelligence spending. Plus, Starbucks is getting a brand makeover, and the Los Angeles Dodgers pulled off a World Series win.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Meta posts Q3 earnings beat, but stock falls on heavy spending plans” from Yahoo Finance
“What Today’s Inflation Data Will Mean for Next Week’s Fed Meeting” from CNBC
“Inflation Cooled Further in September, PCE Index Shows” from The New York Times
“7 ways Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol plans to change the coffee chain” from NBC Chicago
“Los Angeles Dodgers defeat New York Yankees in five games to win World Series” from NBC News

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

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Tech companies like Google and Meta have been pouring billions into artificial intelligence. But investors have been waiting for those investments to pay off. We’ll get into what the latest earnings report from Google’s parent company signals about AI’s money-making potential. And, American companies are responding to former President Trump’s tariff promises by preparing to raise prices. Plus, guest host Matt Levin makes us smile about the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series run.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Companies ready price hikes to offset Trump’s global tariff plans” from The New York Times
“More than a quarter of new code at Google is generated by AI” from The Verge
“Google’s Cloud Business Powers Accelerating Revenue Growth” from The Wall Street Journal
“World Series: Ice Cube performs ‘It Was a Good Day’ ahead of Yankees vs. Dodgers Game 2” from Fox Sports

We love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Today we’re sharing an excerpt from our live show at WBUR CitySpace in Boston featuring our special guest, historian Heather Cox Richardson. (Check out the first part of our live show here.) Richardson, a professor at Boston College, talked with us about the high stakes of this year’s election, how the economy is woven into political narratives, and what we can do to protect the health of our democracy. Plus, she shares what she had wrong about hummingbirds.

Where should “Make Me Smart” go next? Let us know at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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News outlets aren’t mincing words about the offensive and racist remarks featured at former President Donald Trump’s rally in New York’s Madison Square Garden on Sunday. We’ll talk about the media backlash to the event, which was intended to be a part of Trump’s closing argument against Vice President Kamala Harris. Then, we discuss reports of ballot drop boxes on fire and give tips on how to ride out the last few days before Election Day. Plus, a story that has us waltzing through our emotions.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Hundreds of Ballots Damaged in Drop-Box Fire in Washington State” from Bloomberg
“No More Euphemisms: Media Gets Real on Trump’s MSG Hate Rally” from Parker Molloy on Substack
Post about the 2024 U.S. presidential election’s impact on Europe from Benjamin Haddad on X
“Hear a Chopin Waltz Unearthed After Nearly 200 Years” from The New York Times

We can’t do this show without you. Send us your questions, comments or wild suggestions at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART!

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Kai and Kimberly host our weekly happy hour episode, “Economics on Tap,” live from the stage of WBUR CitySpace in Boston. We’ll dive into the biggest headlines making waves this week while sipping on our favorite drinks. Plus, Drew joins the stage to host a round of our favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“‘Washington Post’ won’t endorse in White House race for first time since 1980s” from NPR
“Exclusive: Europe seeks to underpin Russia sanctions, fearing Trump overhaul” from Reuters
“German finance minister warns of retaliation if U.S. kicks off trade war” from CNBC
“American Airlines Cracks Down on ‘Gate Lice’ With New Boarding System” from The New York Times
“Axiom Space, Prada Unveil Spacesuit Design for Moon Return” from Axiom Space
“Every Yankees vs. Dodgers World Series matchup in two charts” from CNN
“Salem Mayor predicts another record-breaking year of Halloween tourism” from WBUR News
Tweet from Tyler Perry at a Harris campaign rally
“Last-minute Boston-themed Halloween costumes” from WBUR

We can’t do this show without you. Send us your questions, comments or wild suggestions at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART!

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Hey Smarties! We’re on the road to Boston for a live taping of “Make Me Smart” with special guest, historian Heather Cox Richardson. So today we’re bringing you an episode from the latest season of “How We Survive,” Marketplace’s climate solutions podcast. In this episode, Kai Ryssdal and the “How We Survive” team head to the very, very top of Alaska to understand how climate change and national security are converging in the Arctic.

Want to join Kai Ryssdal and Kimberly Adams for our live taping of “Make Me Smart” in Boston on Oct. 25? In-person tickets are sold out, but you can still join us virtually. Get your tickets here.

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As Election Day looms closer, the emails and texts from campaigns pleading for money continue to flood voters’ inboxes. A CNN investigation found that some of these tactics have misled elderly Americans into giving away millions of dollars. We’ll get into the financial consequences of aggressive campaign fundraising strategies. Then, we’ll discuss how Republican pundits are responding to former President Donald Trump’s shocking statements about military affairs. And, we’ll talk about a payment owed from a defamation case: a luxury New York apartment.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Trump: ‘I Need the Kind of Generals That Hitler Had’” from The Atlantic
“How elderly dementia patients are unwittingly fueling political campaigns” from CNN
“Brains and Losses: Aging and Financial Vulnerability to Scams” from Marketplace
“Do presidential candidates really need your money at this point in the race?” from Marketplace
“Giuliani ordered to surrender apartment, valuables to Georgia election workers” from Reuters

Join Kai Ryssdal and Kimberly Adams for a live taping of “Make Me Smart” on Oct. 25 in Boston. In-person tickets are sold out, but you can still join us virtually. Get your tickets here.

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In the weeks after Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit the Southeast, the price to rebuild has become a topic of contention in the home insurance market. For years, home insurers have identified climate change as a threat, cut coverage and increased premiums for properties in disaster-prone areas. But now, home insurers are also using new technologies such as drone footage and artificial intelligence to identify other high-risk areas in urban and suburban neighborhoods.

Then, we’ll get into what headline inflation measures leave out of the cost of housing. And, how do we prepare for the upcoming Election Day in the shadow of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol? Later, we’ll hear from listeners on voting from overseas and the origins of trick-or-treating.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Home Insurance is a Really Big Problem” from Kyla Scanlon on Substack
“Rising insurance costs are making homeownership even more expensive” from Marketplace
“How Higher Property Insurance Premiums Mirror Climate Risk” from Knowledge at Wharton
“How the Home Insurance Market Became So Distorted” from The New York Times
“The Home Insurance Crunch: See What’s Happening in Your State” from The New York Times
“Can lawmakers save the collapsing Florida home insurance market?” from Bankrate
“The Very Real Scenario Where Trump Loses and Takes Power Anyway” from Politico
“America’s Most Famous Inflation Gauge Is Easing — But Some of Your Biggest Expenses Are Left Out” from Bloomberg

Do you have an Election Day tradition? Maybe you like to mail your ballot or treat yourself to coffee after hitting the polls. Let us know what your voting routine looks like at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Across the country, pharmacies big and small are closing. The closures have disproportionately affected rural and low-income communities, leaving residents with limited access to prescription drugs and creating so-called “pharmacy deserts.” We’ll discuss a New York Times investigation about the middlemen driving pharmacies out of business. Plus, should the American Dream be a townhouse? And, introducing the real “househusbands” of Wall Street.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Housing costs are rising everywhere — but especially in swing states” from The Washington Post
“The new American Dream should be a townhouse” from The Washington Post
“The Powerful Companies Driving Local Drugstores Out of Business” from The New York Times
“The real reason Walgreens and other pharmacies are failing” from MSNBC
“Behind Many Powerful Women on Wall Street: A Doting ‘Househusband’” from The Wall Street Journal

Join Kai Ryssdal and Kimberly Adams for a live taping of “Make Me Smart” on Oct. 25 in Boston. In-person tickets are sold out, but you can still join us virtually. Get your tickets here.

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New research from the Federal Reserve shows that wealthier Americans are driving retail spending while lower-income Americans have been squeezed by higher prices. We’ll discuss how this disparity could help explain the United States’ often unexpectedly strong consumer economy, and what the Birkin bag side of TikTok can tell us about this divide. And, Cuba is enduring a nationwide power outage. We’ll explain how a grid failure today has left millions in the dark. Plus, we’ll play a spooky season edition of This or That!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“How to Watch the Bright and Speedy Orionid Meteor Shower” from Smithsonian
“Cuban electrical collapse causes island-wide blackout, paralyzes economy” from The Washington Post
“Wealthier Americans are driving retail spending and powering US economy” from AP News
“Chocolate is on its way out. Why Halloween is about gummy candy now.” from The Washington Post

Join Kai Ryssdal and Kimberly Adams for a live taping of “Make Me Smart” on Oct. 25 in Boston. In-person tickets are sold out, but you can still join us virtually. Get your tickets here.

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Companies in the United States spend billions in political donations each election cycle with the aim of gaining more influence in government. But all that spending comes with risks. We’ll get into it. And, we’ll explain why many Americans impacted by recent hurricanes will have to wait for disaster assistance from the Small Business Administration and how former President Trump’s plans for mass deportations could send shockwaves through our nation’s food supply chain. Plus, why are tech companies like Amazon and Google investing in nuclear energy?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Why companies spend all that campaign donation money” from Marketplace
“SBA disaster loan program out of money after hurricanes, Biden says” from Axios
“Trump’s proposed mass deportations could ‘decimate’ the US food supply” from Grist
“Trump Faces Tough Questions From Hispanic Voters, but Largely Defends or Dodges” from The New York Times
“Big Tech has cozied up to nuclear energy” from The Verge
“Amazon goes nuclear, to invest more than $500 million to develop small modular reactors” from CNBC

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

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Vice President Kamala Harris has been sitting down with popular podcasts like the “The Breakfast Club,” Call Her Daddy,” and The Howard Stern Show. We’ll get into what the campaign strategy can tell us about voters, our fragmented media environment and the future of news. Plus, lower interest rates mean the end of a golden period for savers. And, the return of panda diplomacy and a new life for a beloved maple tree.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Harris Slams Trump in Interview With Charlamagne Tha God: 5 Takeaways” from The New York Times
“Former President Barack Obama’s Team Clarifies His Recent Comments Made Toward Black Men” from The Shade Room
“Savers Bid a Sad Farewell to Higher Yields” from The Wall Street Journal
“Georgia voters motivated by Harris-Trump contest flock to polls in record numbers on first day” from GPB News
“D.C.’s new giant pandas arrived at National Zoo: Meet Qing Bao and Bao Li” from The Washington Post
“A Beloved Maple Tree Had to Come Down, But It Lives On” from The New York Times

We love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Today we’re talking about a key piece of the global transition to renewable energy: metals. Specifically, metals like copper, lithium and cobalt that we need to build wind turbines, electric vehicles and to improve our energy grid. Vince Beiser, author of the forthcoming book “Power Metal: The Race for the Resources That Will Shape the Future,” said we’ll need hundreds of millions more tons of these metals. But mining them comes at a cost. On the show today, Beiser explains the environmental and social consequences of mining for these metals, China’s dominance over the supply chain, and ways to make the transition to renewables more fair. Plus, why mining in space is a pipe dream, at least for now.

Then, we’ll get into how the U.S. dairy industry could be upended if former President Donald Trump’s plan for mass deportations took place. And, how one listener makes voting a party.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The Green Economy Is Hungry for Copper—and People Are Stealing, Fighting, and Dying to Feed It” from Wired
“Mining Critical to Renewable Energy Tied to Hundreds of Alleged Human Rights Abuses” from Inside Climate News
“How does the environmental impact of mining for clean energy metals compare to mining for coal, oil and gas?” from MIT Climate Portal
“The Indispensable Industry: Mining’s Role in the Energy Transition and the Americas” from the Center for Strategic and International Studies
“What a Crackdown on Immigration Could Mean for Cheap Milk” from The New York Times
“Trump’s economic plans would worsen inflation, experts say” from AP News
“Boeing to Sell at Least $10 Billion in Shares to Plug Cash Drain” from The Wall Street Journal

We love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Federal Emergency Management Agency crews working hurricane recovery efforts paused aid in parts of North Carolina over the weekend after threats were made against workers and an armed suspect was arrested. We talk about the rise of misinformation around FEMA’s response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, including falsehoods pushed by former President Donald Trump. And, we discuss an atmosphere of political violence as Trump urges using the military on Election Day. Plus, are we one step closer to commercial space travel?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Trump urges using military to handle ‘radical left lunatics’ on Election Day” from The Washington Post
“North Carolina authorities arrest armed man after threats against FEMA workers” from The Washington Post
“Federal personnel are facing threats during hurricane response, DHS chief warns” from Government Executive
Hurricane Rumor Response from FEMA
“SpaceX catches giant Starship booster in fifth flight test” from Reuters
“Why yesterday’s SpaceX launch was such a huge deal for space travel” from Business Insider
“SpaceX catches Starship rocket booster in historic test launch” from NBC News

We love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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This week, more than a dozen states came together to sue TikTok over the social media app’s effects on young users. Now, a report by NPR and Kentucky Public Radio shows executives at the company were well aware of the harms to teens. We’ll get into it. Plus, is the cost of rebuilding after a natural disaster becoming a luxury few can afford? And, would you wear pajama pants to school or work? That and more in a round of Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“TikTok executives know about app’s effect on teens, lawsuit documents allege” from NPR
“No Hurricane Will Make Rich People Leave Florida” from Slate
“The CIA runs a nonprofit venture capital firm. What’s it investing in?” from Marketplace
“Trump biopic ‘The Apprentice’ hits theaters amid fury from his campaign” from NBC News
“Black Friday in October: Here come early holiday deals” from Axios
“Tim Walz Rally Is Livestreamed on Twitch in Pitch to Young Voters” from The New York Times
“Get Comfortable With It: Pajama Pants Are for Everywhere” from The Wall Street Journal

Join Kai Ryssdal and Kimberly Adams for a live taping of “Make Me Smart” on Oct. 25 in Boston. In-person tickets are sold out, but you can still join us virtually. Get your tickets here.

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Total damages from Hurricane Helene in the United States could cost $250 billion. But only a small fraction of homeowners have flood insurance. As another major hurricane looms, we’ll unpack why coverage is becoming so expensive that many Americans choose to go without. Plus, some news you can use about communicating during an emergency, and how zoo workers and animals ride out big storms.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Kamala Harris Has Raised $1 Billion Since Entering 2024 Presidential Race” from The New York Times
“CBS ’60 Minutes’ airs two different answers from VP Harris to the same question” from Fox News
“Most U.S. homeowners hit by Hurricane Helene don’t have flood insurance” from CBS News
“Hurricane Milton could cost insurers up to $100 billion, analysts say” from Reuters
“The flood insurance crisis facing Americans” from Axios
“‘We’ve used hallways, we’ve used bathrooms’: How zoos protect animals when hurricanes hit” from BBC News
“Tampa zoo and aquarium staff to ride out Milton with the animals” from The Washington Post
“When Cell Service Is Down, You Can Send iPhone Texts via Satellite” from The Wall Street Journal

We love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Almost half of adults in the U.S. are single. But so many of our economic policies and financial systems, from homeownership to retirement planning, cater to couples. Today’s episode is an excerpt from a Marketplace live show in Denver, hosted by “Make Me Smart” co-host Kimberly Adams, on the economics of being single. Kimberly is joined by a panel of experts who break down the financial challenges (and perks) of living the single life, and the power of pushing back against the societal pressures to pair up.

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Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war a year ago, the U.S. has spent at record $17.9 billion on military aid to Israel — more than any other year since this aid started. This adds to the already heavy human toll of the conflict. We’ll discuss the mounting costs of war. Plus, Anthony Fauci’s new warning about a mosquito-borne illness. And, is the pumpkin spice tax real?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Anthony Fauci: A Mosquito in My Backyard Made Me the Sickest I’ve Ever Been” from The New York Times
“US spends a record $17.9 billion on military aid to Israel since last Oct. 7” from The Associated Press
“United States Spending on Israel’s Military Operations and Related U.S. Operations in the Region, October 7, 2023-September 30, 2024” from the Watson Institute for International & Public Affairs at Brown University
“Consumers Pay Up to 92% More for Pumpkin Items, but ‘Pumpkin Spice Tax’ Is Narrowing” from Lending Tree
“Retail Investor Had Too Much Tesla” from Bloomberg

Help us catch up to our Fall Fundraiser goal today: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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The jobs report released today blew past economists’ forecasts, estimating that employers added about 250,000 jobs to the U.S. economy in September. Republican Sen. Marco Rubio is falsely claiming the jobs report is “fake.” We’ll get into how big economic data is being politicized. And, what happens when October surprises aren’t so surprising anymore? Plus, we’ll weigh in on “white labeling” and flying taxis during a round of Half Full / Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“October surprises are piling up, but a toss-up race seems impervious to shocks” from CNN Politics
“Jack Smith’s latest filing in the Trump election case is no ‘Comey letter'” from MSNBC
“‘Trump Bible’ one of few that meet Walters’ criteria for Oklahoma classrooms” from The Oklahoman
Tweet from Sen. Marco Rubio about today’s jobs report
“Not hearing back on job applications? Some career consultants suggest a bold new tactic.” from Business Insider
“Denver is funding sidewalk maintenance with a property owner tax” from Marketplace
“Why do retailers white label certain products?” from Marketplace
“Costco adds platinum bars to its precious metals lineup” from CNBC
“Toyota puts another $500 million in an air taxi startup” from The Verge

Don’t let us fall short. We need your help to reach our Fall Fundraiser goal today!: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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After the Federal Reserve’s recent move to cut interest rates, you had questions. Lots of them! Today, we’re answering your questions about why the Fed doesn’t hold more meetings, why it tends to adjust interest rates in quarter-percentage-point increments, and why it’s target inflation rate is 2%. Plus, Kai Ryssdal unpacks the wonky relationship between the federal funds rate and the Treasury bond market.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Introduction to the FOMC” from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
“A brief history of the Federal Reserve’s emergency rate shifts” from The Los Angeles Times
“Why does the Federal Reserve raise rates in quarter percentages?” from Marketplace
“Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement of longer-run goals and policy strategy” from the Federal Reserve
“Why the Fed Targets a 2 Percent Inflation Rate” from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
“The Fed cut rates, but the yield on the 10-year T-note is up” from Marketplace
“How Might Increases in the Fed Funds Rate Impact Other Interest Rates?” from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

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A 2016 trade law has made it easier for fast-fashion companies like Temu and Shein to ship massive volumes of cheap clothes to customers in the United States. Now drug traffickers are exploiting that same law to import fentanyl ingredients. We’ll get into it. And, Kai watched last night’s vice presidential debate after all. The hosts share their takeaways. Plus, a story about repurposing old newspaper boxes takes us to nostalgia central.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“How fentanyl traffickers are exploiting a U.S. trade law” from Reuters
“Takeaways from the VP debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz” from AP News
“People fill old newspaper boxes with movies, call it ‘Free Blockbuster’” from The Washington Post

We love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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All sorts of statistics related to immigration are being thrown around in debates, speeches and campaign ads ahead of this year’s election. Immigration estimates are painstakingly calculated by various government agencies. But lately, economists have been wrangling with wide gaps between some of these numbers. On the show today, Jed Kolko, former under secretary for economic affairs at the U.S. Department of Commerce, explains how government agencies actually crunch immigration numbers, why two agencies’ estimates aren’t matching up right now and why accurate immigration data is crucial to how we understand the economy and setting economic policy.

Then, we’ll get into why the ongoing dockworkers’ strike is about more than just higher wages. And, we’ll get smarter about a common cooking herb.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Can new data solve an immigration puzzle?” from Slow Boring
“What we know about unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S.” from Pew Research Center
“Unprecedented U.S. immigration surge boosts job growth, output” from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
“Key findings about U.S. immigrants” from Pew Research Center
“New immigration estimates help make sense of the pace of employment” from Brookings
“Opinion | The real reason 47,000 dock workers are on strike: Automation” from The Washington Post
“Robots, automation a big factor in U.S. port strike” from Quartz
“Tim Walz and JD Vance’s 2024 VP debate is tonight. Here’s what to know.” from CBS News

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Recovery efforts are continuing in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in Florida last Thursday and caused widespread devastation across several southeastern states. We talk about the cost of moving to areas prone to natural disasters. Plus, why Americans now, more than ever, are reliant on state and federal support to supplement their incomes. Then, Kai has a Jon Stewart moment. And, the backstory of an iconic photo from the 1970s of a group of friends enjoying an extravagant breakfast at the National Mall has us smiling!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Where Americans Have Been Moving Into Disaster-Prone Areas” from The New York Times
“Welcome Home, Hostages, and Pay Up” from The Wall Street Journal
“Americans Are More Reliant Than Ever on Government Aid” from The Wall Street Journal
“How this first-time voter is helping other students get registered” from The Washington Post
“The real story behind the iconic 1974 breakfast photo at the National Mall” from The Washington Post

We love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Branding is big in contemporary political campaigns. But some candidates are going to odd lengths to appeal to women in 2024. We’ll explain. Plus, the wave of new state voting laws since 2020 has the potential to dramatically reshape ballot access in the 2024 election. And we’ll weigh in on the doomsday prepping economy and “fridgescaping” during a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“G.O.P. Candidates, Looking to Soften Their Image, Turn to Their Wives” from The New York Times
“In the tightest states, new voting laws could tip the outcome in November” from Stateline
“Battleground State Removes Nearly 10 Percent of Voters for Being Ineligible” from Newsweek
“VoteFlare’s mission to upgrade voter communication” from Marketplace
“In uncertain times, the prepper supply business is booming” from Marketplace
“Spurned by Social Media, Publishers Chase Readers on WhatsApp” from The New York Times
“Southwest may need to change the perks that made customers loyal” from Marketplace
“Earth will capture ‘second moon’ this weekend, scientists say” from Space
“The pros and cons of fridgescaping your refrigerator” from The Washington Post

New artist-designed Marketplace sweatshirts are half off this weekend! Invest in Marketplace and get yours: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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In a speech outlining her economic vision this week, Vice President Kamala Harris said she’d boost manufacturing in the United States by supporting trade school programs and getting rid of unnecessary college-degree requirements for federal jobs. We’ll get into it. And, we’ll explain why the DOJ is suing Visa. Plus, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde’s wild search for butter prices.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Harris pledges ‘pragmatic’ approach to the economy in Pittsburgh speech” from Politico
“Kamala Harris says she will cut degree requirements for certain federal jobs” from Reuters
“Justice Department Sues Visa for Monopolizing Debit Markets” from the Department of Justice
“Justice Department accuses Visa of stifling competition in the debit card business” from NPR
“Cruz gets heated after Booker blocks deepfake revenge porn bill” from The Hill
“Christine Lagarde – Stabilizing Inflation & Regulating AI for the Global Economy” from the Daily Show

Join us tomorrow for “Economics on Tap.” The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

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Congress has agreed on a temporary spending bill to fund the federal government through Dec. 20. The House GOP’s hotly debated SAVE Act didn’t make the final cut. We’ll get into what did make it into the bill beyond bare-bones funding measures. And, a wave of homeowners are looking to refinance their mortgages as borrowing costs ease. Plus, we’ll cry happy tears over a “Homeward Bound” story come to life.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Kushner’s Fund Has Reaped Millions in Fees, but So Far Returned No Profits” from The New York Times
“US Mortgage Rates Fall Again, Triggering Big Wave of Refinancing” from Bloomberg
“The final countdown” from Punchbowl News
“Shippers scramble for workarounds ahead of looming US East Coast port strike” from Reuters
“Cat Missing in Yellowstone Returns Home to California After an 800-Mile Trek” from The New York Times
Tweet from Jacqui Heinrich about President Biden’s hot mic moment on “The View”

Got any questions about inflation or interest rates? Send ’em to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Kai Ryssdal takes over the mic today as he digs into the U.S. military’s climate change paradox. While the military is fueling the climate crisis, it’s also on the frontlines of the fallout. It’s an issue that hits home for Kai, a Navy veteran. And it’s all part of the latest season of Marketplace’s climate solutions podcast, “How We Survive.” Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

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The 1979 disaster at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant helped define the energy conversation in the United States. Now it’s being reopened to help power artificial intelligence. We’ll get into the deal between the owner of the plant and Microsoft. Plus, the hosts weigh in on how some schools are warming up to AI and whether companies should take a political stand in a game of Half-Full/Half-Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “How Sparing the Parkland Shooter’s Life Changed Florida’s Death Penalty” from The Marshall Project
- “Microsoft AI Needs So Much Power It’s Tapping Site of US Nuclear Meltdown” from Bloomberg
- “Three Mile Island’s Nuclear Plant to Reopen, Help Power Microsoft’s AI Centers” from WSJ

If you’re in the Denver area, join Kimberly Adams for a live panel discussion on the economics of being single on Sept. 23. Make Me Smart listeners get a discount with the promo code SMART. And if you can’t make it in person, join the livestream on Monday at 6:30 p.m. Mountain time.

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This year, fake content generated by artificial intelligence hasn’t created the massive election mess that many assumed it would in the United States … at least not yet. At a Senate hearing, tech executives pointed to recent efforts by Russia, China, and Iran to interfere with the upcoming election. And, no, the Teamsters union did not endorse former President Trump. We’ll explain. Plus, we’ll get into the ongoing strike at Boeing and Vice President Kamala Harris’ plan for a cap on childcare costs.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Censorship accusations loom over Big Tech hearing on election threats” from The Verge
“Teamsters union declines to endorse Trump or Harris in presidential race” from NPR
“Harris wants to limit child care costs to 7% of family income” from CNN Politics
“Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on the economy, potential U.S. port strike and Boeing strike” from CNBC
“Boeing Workers Go on Strike: What to Know” from The New York Times
“Boeing Furloughs White-Collar Workers as Strike Worsens Cash Crunch” from The Wall Street Journal

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

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The Federal Reserve today said it’s lowering its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point. The rate cut is bigger than we’d predicted, and bigger than what the Fed normally does, but its effects will take some time to ripple through the economy. We’ll also get into former President Donald Trump’s switch-up on the state and local tax deduction cap and why Sen. Rand Paul wants Congress to reclaim power over tariffs.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Federal Reserve lowers interest rates by 0.50 percentage points in first cut since 2020” from CBS News
“Dr. Rand Paul Celebrates Constitution Day with the No Taxation Without Representation Act” from Sen. Rand Paul
Tweet from Burgess Everett about Rand Paul’s tariff proposal
“Trump signals SALT deduction cap reversal” from Axios
“Schumer calls out Trump for ‘selective amnesia’ on SALT” from The Hill
“NPR Exclusive: U.S. overdose deaths plummet, saving thousands of lives” from NPR

We love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates this week for the first time in four years. It would be a major milestone in the central bank’s long fight to get inflation under control. The Fed changes interest rates to keep inflation in check. But inflation is a complex phenomenon, and people have different ideas about what drives it. On the show today, Harvard economics professor Stefanie Stantcheva explains what Americans believe about the root causes of inflation and how the government should manage it, how views differ along party lines and the role media play.

Then, the narrative around retail theft is changing. And, comedian Rola Z who hosts the “Funny Arabs” show in Washington, D.C., answers the Make Me Smart question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“People’s Understanding of Inflation” from the Social Economics Lab at Harvard
“The Fed And Public Opinion” from Forbes
“What actually happens when the Fed cuts interest rates?” from Marketplace
“No, Americans Are Not Completely Stupid About Inflation” from The New York Times
“The Growing Use of Voting Before Election Day” from the Center for Election Innovation and Research
“America’s stores are winning the war on shoplifting” from CNN Business
“Federal Debt Is Soaring. Here’s Why Trump and Harris Aren’t Talking About It.” from The Wall Street Journal
“How would Project 2025 impact troops and veterans?” from Military Times

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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It’s decision week for the Federal Reserve! Chair Jerome Powell and his colleagues are expected to reduce interest rates for the first time since 2020. Investors are predicting a half-percentage-point cut, but we’re on Team 25. We’ll explain why. Plus, the origin of the false rumors about Haitian immigrants that reached the presidential debate stage. And why the cost of your Temu and Shein orders may go up.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Stock Market Today: Investors Bet on Bigger Fed Cut” from The Wall Street Journal
“Elon Musk Writes, Then Deletes, a Post Musing About Threats to Biden and Harris” from The New York Times
“Biden Takes Aim at China’s Temu and Shein With Trade Crackdown” from The Wall Street Journal
“‘It just exploded’: Springfield woman claims she never meant to spark false rumors about Haitians” from NBC News
“In celebration of being a terrible gardener” from The Washington Post

We love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Former President Donald Trump has said he wants to get rid of federal taxes on tips and Social Security benefits. Now he’s adding overtime pay to the list. We’ll get into it. And, could online dating be making income inequality worse? Plus, we’ll weigh in on foldable phones and Friday the 13th superstitions in a game of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Next Up in Trump’s No-Tax Zone: Overtime Pay” from The Wall Street Journal
“Donald Trump Prepares to Unveil World Liberty Financial, a Cryptocurrency Business” from The New York Times
“From Dating to Marriage: Has Online Dating Made a Difference?” from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
“Tech companies commit to fighting harmful AI sexual imagery by curbing nudity from datasets” from AP News
“How Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Harris could change the election end game” from ABC News
“United Airlines to offer free Wi-Fi using Starlink from Elon Musk’s SpaceX” from CNBC
“Walmart is leaning into fashion. Will the move work?” from Marketplace
“Huawei’s new trifold phone costs more than a 16-inch MacBook Pro” from The Verge
“What is Friday the 13th and why is it considered unlucky? Here’s why some are superstitious” from USA Today

Kimberly Adams is headed to the Mile High City. Join us for a live panel discussion on the singles economy Sept. 23 in Denver. Use promo code “SMART” for a special discount on your ticket. We hope to see you there.

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Today, SpaceX’s crew of billionaire Jared Isaacman and three other private astronauts completed the world’s first-ever commercial spacewalk. We’ll get into it. And, Congress is quickly approaching yet another deadline to avoid a government shutdown. What’s holding up lawmakers from voting on a temporary spending bill? Plus, we’ll break down what’s been going on with oil prices this week and the latest in Apple’s foray into the world of artificial intelligence.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“SpaceX Polaris Dawn astronauts complete 1st private spacewalk (video)” from Space
“Speaker Johnson pulls Wednesday vote on government funding plan amid GOP divisions” from CNN Politics
“House Speaker Johnson pulls government funding bill” from CNBC
“Oil prices close at lowest level since December 2021 as OPEC cuts forecast” from CNBC
“Apple Intelligence comes to iPhone, iPad, and Mac starting next month” from Apple

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

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Last night’s presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump kicked off with a question about the economy — often cited as the top issue for voters. But the discussion that followed was notably light on economic policy. So, can the state of the economy swing this election? And, we’ll get into more takeaways from the big debate. Plus, are run clubs and grocery stores the new dating apps for singles?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Harris-Trump debate takeaways: Clashes on race, abortion, economy” from AP News
“Fact-checking Kamala Harris and Donald Trump’s 1st presidential debate” from ABC News
“Trump “less inclined” to do another debate with Harris” from Axios
“First it was childless cat ladies. Now it’s eating cats. How the topic led to ‘ALF’ memes” from Yahoo News
“Love on Aisle 9? A TikTok Fad Fills Grocery Stores With Singles.” from The New York Times
“Run clubs in NYC have just become another oversaturated dating market, singles say” from NBC News

Kimberly Adams is headed to the Mile High City. Join us for a live panel discussion on the singles economy Sept. 23. in Denver. Use promo code “SMART” for a special discount on your ticket. We hope to see you there.

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The Joe Biden administration announced a final rule aimed at making sure insurance coverage for mental health and substance abuse disorders is on par with traditional medical benefits. We’ll explain why the Supreme Court’s Chevron decision poses a threat to the rule. Plus, the Supreme Court’s emergency docket is filling up with challenges to Environmental Protection Agency standards. And, we’ll talk about a Paralympic marathoner who opted to help out her stumbling guide, even if it cost her a medal.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Supreme Court Is Swamped With Emergency Appeals, Led by Challenges to EPA” from The Wall Street Journal
“Biden administration finalizes rule to strengthen mental health parity law” from Reuters
“Supreme Court’s Chevron Decision Threatens Decades of Progress in Access to Mental Health Care” from MedCity News
“New Mental Health Rule Introduces Employer Benefit Parity Test” from Bloomberg Law
“Paralympic Marathoner Loses Medal After Helping Her Guide Yards From Finish” from The New York Times

We love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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The IRS and U.S. Treasury Department announced today the recovery of $1.3 billion from high-income tax dodgers since last fall, citing funding from President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act as the catalyst for increased collection enforcement efforts. And we hear about the a new investigation into airline rewards programs. Plus, we discuss the value of musical-turned-movie remakes during a game of Half Full/Half Empty! And, a little PSA about 401(k)s.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Treasury recovers $1.3 billion in unpaid taxes from high-wealth tax dodgers” from The Associated Press
“Saturn’s majestic rings will vanish in just six months from now” from Earth.com
“The impending private equity blitz on NFL teams” from “Make Me Smart” newsletter
“Airlines such as American, United, Delta, face DOT investigation over rewards programs” from Fox Business
“Dancing With the Stars reveals cast for season 33: ’90s icons, reality stars, Olympians, and a fake heiress” from Entertainment Weekly
“Say Goodbye to Daily Hotel Room Cleaning” from The New York Times
“Adults are cashing in on lemonade stands” from Marketplace
“Movie musicals — yes, including the ‘Joker’ sequel — you could fall for” from The Washington Post

Kick off your weekend with our “Tunes on Tap” Spotify playlist featuring some of our favorite summer jams! Get the playlist here.

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The Harris campaign is proposing a bump in the capital gains tax that’s well below the rate President Biden had put forward. We’ll get into why remixing Biden’s tax plan scored her some points with corporate supporters. And, we’ll explain the fight between Disney and DirecTV that’s causing channel outages for subscribers. Plus, why Medicaid patients are struggling to access GLP-1 weight loss drugs and what the vibes are in the restaurant industry right now.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Harris Tells the Business Community: I’m Friendlier Than Biden” from The New York Times
“DirecTV chief content officer on ESPN blackout: Disney is still mandating minimum penetration” from CNBC
“TV viewers get screwed again as Disney channels are blacked out on DirecTV” from Ars Technica
“Disney networks go dark on DirecTV amid carriage dispute” from Axios
“DirecTV is compensating customers affected by the Disney outage. But they have to take action to get it” from CNN
“Who’s able to get weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy?” from Marketplace
“Restaurant industry still struggles with staffing, consultant says” from Marketplace

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

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The artificial intelligence company Anthropic is launching a new product targeted at businesses. It’s a step above the company’s consumer-facing products, like its popular chatbot Claude. We’ll explain what it could mean for human jobs. And, we’ll get into the White House efforts to combat Russian-backed attempts to influence the November presidential election. Plus, we’ll smile about 385 million-year-old fish fossils and an unsung hero who’s made coal mining a safer job.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Amazon-backed Anthropic rolls out Claude AI for big business” from CNBC
“Biden administration announces major actions to tackle Russian efforts to influence 2024 election” from CNN Politics
“Opinion | The Canary” (gift link) from The Washington Post
“Fossils of 385 million-year-old fish found in pavement” from BBC News

We love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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This year alone, cryptocurrency companies have spent over $119 million on pro-crypto candidates in federal races across the country. That’s almost half of all corporate money spent on this year’s election. But can all this crypto money really sway elections? Lee Reiners, crypto policy expert at the Duke Financial Economics Center, explains what the crypto industry is hoping to accomplish with its election spending, the myth behind the “crypto-vote” and why former President Donald Trump is vying to become the “crypto-president.”

Then, we’ll get into the U.S. government’s big penny problem. And, Boeing’s history in the spaceflight sector, and more to celebrate as the Paralympics continue.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Crypto firms have spent more than $119 million on 2024 elections” from Marketplace
“Crypto’s ‘huge moment’ scrambling US politics” from Politico
“Why Republicans are embracing bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies” from Marketplace
“How Crypto Money Is Poised to Influence the Election” from The New York Times
“Harris triggers crypto tug-of-war between Democrats” from Politico
“America Must Free Itself from the Tyranny of the Penny” from The New York Times
“This Once Hot Real-Estate Type Is Now Being Offered as Office Space” from The Wall Street Journal

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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President Joe Biden has forgiven $167.3 billion in student loan debt since taking office. But his administration’s wins are often overshadowed by obstacles to its most ambitious debt relief programs. We’ll get into what this could mean for Biden’s economic legacy. And, we’ll explain why the 30-year mortgage rate can tell us what the markets think about the Federal Reserve’s next move. Plus, we’ll play a very demure, very mindful round of This or That!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“30-Year Mortgage Rate Falls Again, Now at 6.35%” from The New York Times
“$167.3 billion in student loan forgiveness” from The Washington Post
“Very demure, mindful and viral: the TikTok trend explained” from Axios

Kick off your Labor Day holiday weekend with our “Tunes on Tap” Spotify playlist featuring some of our favorite summer jams! Get the playlist here: marketplace.org/playlist.

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The CEO of Klarna, the by now, pay later service, said the company plans to cut its workforce dramatically by opting not to replace workers when they quit and instead use artificial intelligence to fill in the gaps. We’ll get into it. And, Nvidia’s earnings that beat analysts’ expectations didn’t impress everybody. Plus, we’ll unpack the Justice Department’s new lawsuit against a rent-setting software company, and celebrate a win for the American wheelchair rugby team.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Klarna: AI lets us cut thousands of jobs – but pay more” from BBC News
“Nvidia reports 122% revenue growth on surging demand for data center chips” from CNBC
“How one company transformed the apartment rental market” from Axios
“Chuck Aoki dominates, Sarah Adam makes history as USA Wheelchair Rugby holds off Canada | NBC Sports” from NBC Sports
“Paralympic wheelchair rugby or ‘murderball’ isn’t for the faint of heart” from The Washington Post

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

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Home improvement retailer Lowe’s is the latest in a string of American companies to publicly abandon diversity, equity and inclusion efforts after facing pushback from conservative groups. We’ll get into it. Then, two signs that the global economy may be in trouble. Plus, we’re hype about the Paris Paralympics opening ceremony!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Lowe’s becomes latest company to dial back DEI efforts aimed at LGBTQ groups” from NBC News
“Lowe’s followed Tractor Supply, Harley Davidson and John Deere in backing off DEI initiatives” from Fortune
“Africa’s Debt Crisis Has ‘Catastrophic Implications’ for the World” from The New York Times
“A Time Bomb Is Threatening Economies Across Asia” from The Wall Street Journal
“How to watch the 2024 Paris Paralympics: TV and stream info, schedule, start time, top athletes, preview, team news” from NBC Olympics

Join Kimberly Adams for a live Marketplace event on Sept. 23 in Denver about living single in today’s economy. You can find details about it here. Hope to see you there!

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Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Passion And Guts: Chuck Aoki’s World of Wheelchair Rugby” from Team USA
“Paralympic Games in Paris set to reach largest audience after broadcast deals” from The Guardian
“What sports are in the Paralympics and how does the classification system work?” from AP News
“How to Watch the 2024 Summer Paralympics: Streaming Schedule, Free Options” from Wired
“Pfizer Follows Lilly With Website Selling Directly to Patients” from Bloomberg
“Eli Lilly lowering weight loss drug prices” from The Hill
“Health Insurance Costs Will Rise Steeply if Premium Tax Credit Improvements Expire” from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
“How Much and Why ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Going Up in 2025” from KFF
“Pfizer launches new website for migraine, respiratory offerings” from Reuters
“Panama Canal Eases Limits That Caused Global Shipping Bottleneck” from Bloomberg

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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The trial weighing the merger of Kroger and Albertsons, two grocery titans, begins today. We’ll explain what the biggest supermarket merger in U.S. history could mean for everyday shoppers and why the federal government wants to put a stop to it. Plus, we’ll get into the latest of Boeing’s woes: its Starliner spacecraft. Can the company’s failures teach us something about the business of spaceflight? And, SpaceX is ready to launch a mission for the first-ever commercial spacewalk.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“What Kroger-Albertsons merger trial with FTC means for your grocery store” from The Washington Post
“New Boeing CEO Faces Hard Choices After NASA Snubs Starliner for SpaceX” from Bloomberg
“Flight attendants speak out about low pay, debt and homelessness” from The Washington Post
“IUD insertion pain is complicated. Doctors say the new CDC guidelines are only a start.” from NBC News
“Here’s What the CDC’s New IUD Pain Management Recommendations Mean in Practice” from Self
“SpaceX to Launch Billionaire on First-Ever Private Spacewalk” from Bloomberg

We love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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The Democratic National Convention this week featured a wide range of speakers, from those who railed against the billionaire class to billionaires themselves. We’ll unpack the Democratic Party’s mixed messaging on the ultrawealthy. On the other hand, the world’s central banks seem to be on the same page when it comes to interest rates. We’ll get into it. Plus, how much would you pay for a full row of economy seats on an airplane? We’ll find out during a game of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Major Central Banks Now Aligned as Powell Signals Fed Cuts Ahead” from Bloomberg
“At the DNC, Kamala Harris has a billionaire problem on her hands” from Fortune
“On the Convention Stage, Democrats Courted the Middle Class. After Hours, They Partied Like the 1%.” from The Wall Street Journal
“Hanif Abdurraqib on what it means to “make it'” from Marketplace’s “This Is Uncomfortable”
“What it’s like to be a content creator at the DNC” from Marketplace Tech
“No Joke: The Onion Thinks Print Is the Future of Media” from The New York Times
“Does lipstick still have economic staying power?” from Marketplace
“All the Airlines Offering ‘Couch’ Seats for More Space to Spread Out” from Thrillist
“Starbucks fall drinks 2024: Pumpkin Spice Latte, fall menu launch Thursday” from Axios

Kick off your weekend with our our “Tunes on Tap” Spotify playlist featuring some of our favorite summer jams! Get the playlist here: marketplace.org/playlist.

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Since Vice President Harris proposed a federal ban on price gouging in the food and grocery industries, her campaign has offered up few details about what the policy would actually look like. That’s left room for wild speculation. We’ll get into it. And, we’ll debunk former President Trump’s claims that the Biden administration manipulated job data to influence the election. Plus, the future of V2X technology on our roadways and the National Women’s Soccer League’s historic move to do away with drafts.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“And today Trump and his allies are being dishonest about jobs data” from The Washington Post
“US job totals will likely be revised down by 818,000 as Trump cries fraud” from Politico
“Commerce Sec. Raimondo on VP Harris: She’s pro-business, pro-worker, and opposed to price-fixing” from CNBC
“FTC to investigate high grocery prices” from Marketplace
“Harris’s Price-Gouging Ban: Price Controls or No Quick Effect?” from The New York Times
“DOT plans to implement V2X technology raise privacy concerns” from Marketplace
“The U.S. Sports League That Just Scrapped the Draft—and Made Everyone a Free Agent” from The Wall Street Journal
“National Women’s Soccer League and its players agree to a new contract deal” from NPR

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

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We read the minutes from the Federal Reserve’s last meeting so you don’t have to! Kai Ryssdal explains why an interest rate cut in September is looking more and more likely. Plus, how the Ozempic boom is changing the cost of workplace insurance plans. And, Chicago’s hottest dance club is at the … Democratic National Convention?!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee” from the Federal Reserve
- “Workplace insurance could soon be stripped down” from Axios
- “The FTC’s noncompete agreements ban is blocked” from The Verge
- “The DNC roll call featured a musical salute to each state. Here’s what your state chose” from NPR
- “‘Crowd’ size 📏 “ from Politico

Kimberly Adams is headed to Denver on Sept. 23 for a live Marketplace event all about the economics of being single! You can find details about it here.

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For decades, private school vouchers, often referred to as school choice programs, were limited to low-income students. But recently, several states have passed universal voucher programs that any family, regardless of income, can use to pay their kids’ private school tuition. On the show today, Huriya Jabbar, professor of education policy at the University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education, explains the history of private school vouchers, what makes the latest wave of these programs different from traditional school vouchers, and why some believe private school vouchers undermine the purpose of public education in the U.S. Plus, what does Milton Friedman have to do with all of this?

Then, Kai Ryssdal explains the ins and outs of how the Bureau of Labor Statistics revises its job data. And, we’ll hear from listeners about free garden seeds and American soccer in the ’70s.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Millions of campaign dollars aimed at tilting school voucher battle are flowing into state races” from AP News
- “Arizona School Voucher Program Causes Budget Meltdown” from ProPublica
- “Public Funding, Private Education” from The New York Times
- “The new and radical school voucher push is quietly unwinding two centuries of U.S. education tradition” from the Brookings Institution
- “Which States Have Private School Choice?” from Education Week
- “Georgia election board approves another rule that could disrupt certification” from WABE
- “Election Deniers Secretly Pushed Rule That Would Make It Easier to Delay Certification of Georgia’s Election Results” from ProPublica
- “Fed Confronts Up to a Million US Jobs Vanishing in Revision” from Bloomberg

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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New survey data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows that the percentage of Americans who expect to get laid off in the next four months has gone up. On the other hand, the share of Americans who expect to get a job offer in the next four months is also up. So what gives? We’ll get into the labor market unease and why the Federal Reserve will be paying close attention. Then, we’ll smile about a new tool that could help prevent death from life threatening injuries.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Expectation of Losing One’s Job at Record High in NY Fed Survey” from Bloomberg
“More and more Americans are worried they will lose their job” from CNN Business
“US FDA clears use of Cresilon’s gel to stop severe bleeding in seconds” from Reuters
Tweet from Jesse Byrnes about errors in the Democratic Party’s 2024 platform

We love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, 70% of Gaza’s housing has been damaged, crucial infrastructure like schools and hospitals have been destroyed, and millions of Palestinians have been displaced. We’ll get into the logistical and economic challenge of reconstructing the Gaza Strip. And, we’ll explain why certain proposals coming out of the Harris campaign may be popular with voters but not so popular with economists. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Economically Dumb, Politically Smart” from The Atlantic
“First-name basis: Harris is leaning into ‘Kamala'” from Politico
“Gaza Reduced to 42 Million Tonnes of Rubble. What Will It Take to Rebuild?” from Bloomberg
“Los Angeles wants a ‘no-car’ Olympics in 2028. Is it possible?” from The Guardian
“Both Harris and Trump want to eliminate federal taxes on tips” from Marketplace
“Indonesia prepares to change its capital city and challenges await” from Marketplace
“On the train from LA to Portland, Amtrak’s ride-or-dies make the case for passenger rail” from Marketplace
“Increasing use of AI in job resumes is a mixed blessing” from Marketplace

Our Oct. 25 live show in Boston is sold out, but livestream tickets are now available! Grab your ticket here.

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At a campaign rally, former President Trump said he’s committed to slashing energy prices by at least half in a year (or at the latest 18 months). We’ll explain why it’s a pipe dream. And, Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to propose the first-ever federal ban on corporate price-gouging in the food industry. But where’s the line between price-gouging and setting prices at market value? We’ll get into it. Plus, the latest data breach making headlines and a potential fix for the hassle of canceling unwanted subscriptions.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Trump wants to bring down energy prices — why that’s not easy” from Yahoo Finance
“FTC to investigate high grocery prices” from Marketplace
Margins by Sector (US) from the Stern School of Business at New York University
“Harris to propose federal ban on ‘corporate price-gouging’ in food and groceries” from CNBC
“Biden admin wants to make canceling subscriptions easier” from Axios
Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Launches New Effort to Crack Down on Everyday Headaches and Hassles That Waste Americans’ Time and Money from The White House

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

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A quick housing market announcement: the structure for real estate commissions is set to change this week following a legal settlement with the National Association of Realtors from earlier this year. We’ll get into what it could mean for homebuyers, sellers and real estate agents. And, to publish or not to publish internal Trump campaign documents allegedly leaked by Iranian hackers? That is the question several newsrooms are facing. We’ll explain the conundrum. Plus, Kai Ryssdal gets wistful about his daughter’s first day of school.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“So Much About Real-Estate Commissions Just Changed. Here’s What to Know.” from The Wall Street Journal
“Why newsrooms haven’t published leaked Trump campaign documents” from The Washington Post
“Biden admin to spend billions to blunt spike in Medicare drug premiums” from Politico
“Seeds are gifts from nature, says a major organic producer. So now it’s going to give them away” from AP News
“Rare display of northern lights and Perseid meteor shower delights skywatchers worldwide” from Space

We love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Hey Smarties! If you’ve ever wondered how you make your diet more climate friendly, this episode of “Burning Questions” has you covered. From our friends over at “How We Survive,” the series answers your questions about climate change. In this episode, host Amy Scott chats with Melissa Nelson, professor of Indigenous sustainability at Arizona State University, about how our day-to-day food choices affect the planet and steps you can take to make your diet a little greener, without getting overwhelmed.

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On the show today: a story from the “this is terrifying” file. Cybersecurity researchers are bringing attention to a recent surge in GPS “spoofing” on commercial airlines. We’ll explain how these digital attacks work and why they pose a danger. And, former President Donald Trump made his return to the social media site X to promote an upcoming conversation with Elon Musk. We’ll get into it. Plus, Kai Ryssdal tells us all about his adventures in France to see the Paris Olympics.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Trump Returns to X With Several Posts Ahead of Musk Interview” from Bloomberg
“GPS spoofers ‘hack time’ on commercial airlines, researchers say” from Reuters
“Meta beats censorship lawsuit by RFK Jr’s anti-vaccine group” from Reuters

We love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Compared to the Games in Tokyo and Beijing, NBC’s Paris Olympics coverage has been pulling in significantly higher viewership and ad revenue. Guest host Meghan McCarty Carino explains why the company may have finally hit its stride with its streamer Peacock. And, candidate Donald Trump said the president should have more influence over the Federal Reserve. Guest host Nova Safo gets into how that scenario played out in the Richard Nixon era. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“NBC’s Olympics Broadcast Isn’t Just Addictive. It’s a New Era of Streaming” from Wired
“NBC enjoys Paris Olympics success as Americans neglect work to watch the Games” from Reuters
“The Snoop Olympics: Paris proving a boon to NBC after interest waned in Tokyo and Beijing Games” from AP News
“Trump Calls for Three Debates Against Harris, More Influence Over the Fed” from The Wall Street Journal
“Trump would face constraints in remaking the Federal Reserve if elected” from Axios
“Do athletes who earn an Olympic gold medal get a cash prize?” from Marketplace
“Costco is cracking down on membership moochers” from CNN
“Amazon Deals Let Shoppers Buy Products on TikTok, Pinterest” from Bloomberg
“Americans Are Skipping Theme Parks This Summer” from The Wall Street Journal
“Celebrity book clubs are ‘extremely influential’ in the publishing world” from Marketplace

We love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Former {resident Trump and Vice President Harris are apparently neck and neck in the presidential race. That’s according to the … betting markets? Yes! We’ll get into the ways prediction markets are being used like polls in the 2024 race. Then, why lobbying dollars may pour in at state houses following the end of the Chevron doctrine. Plus, guest host Meghan McCarty Carino joins us to discuss the steady drip, drip, drip of layoffs in the tech industry. And, U.S. sprinter Noah Lyles wants his Air Jordan moment.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Yes, you can place bets on the election (for now)” from Marketplace
“Trump and Harris in Dead Heat for Presidency, Polymarket Betting Shows” from The Wall Street Journal
“When the feds don’t regulate … will the states?” from Marketplace
“Dell Layoffs Hit Sales Team With New Unit Focused on AI” from Bloomberg
“Intel is laying off over 15,000 employees and will stop ‘non-essential work’” from The Verge
“The World’s Fastest Man Wants His Own Signature Adidas Shoe” from Bloomberg

Join us tomorrow for a Make Me Smart guest host take over edition of Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

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A federal judge on Monday ruled that Google acted illegally to maintain a monopoly over online search. It’s the biggest antitrust ruling in decades. Could it be the cherry on top for President Joe Biden’s economic legacy? We’ll get into it. Plus, climate change and the future of the home insurance industry. And, gymnastics girl power and meteor showers make us smile.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Google Loses Antitrust Case Over Search-Engine Dominance” from The Wall Street Journal
“All the spiciest parts of the Google antitrust ruling” from The Verge
“How Does Harris View Big Business? Her Time as California’s Top Lawyer Offers Clues” from The New York Times
“Your Next Home Insurance Nightmare: AI, Drones, and Surveillance” from Business Insider
“Trump vs. Biden: Who Got More Done on Antitrust?” from Washington Monthly
“For the VP also-rans’ political futures, Walz’s elevation ‘complicates it a lot’” from Politico
“Michelle Obama Weighs In On Simone Biles’ Bowing Gesture After NFL Star Trashes It” from HuffPost Sports
“Perseid meteor shower 2024 peaks this weekend. Here’s how to see summer’s best ‘shooting stars'” from Space
“Mountain Bikers Are Rewilding Land by Paying the Government to Do It” from Wired

Make Me Smart is headed to Boston! You can find details about the live event and how to get early bird tickets here.

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Another day, another data breach, am I right? Companies including AT&T, Ticketmaster, and UnitedHealth have all made headlines recently after hackers left millions of customers’ data vulnerable. Lily Hay Newman, a writer covering information security, digital privacy and hacking for Wired, says data breaches like these have been a growing issue for more than a decade. On the show today, Newman explains steps you can take after you’ve been impacted by a breach (beyond signing up for free credit monitoring) and what you can do proactively to protect your data. Plus, what cybercriminals actually do with your data and how cyberattacks have evolved.

Then, we’ll get into how a PAC funded by Elon Musk is collecting information on would-be voters. Plus, we’ll workshop a name for Vice President Kamala Harris’ economic platform and hear about Olympic speed climbing.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The Sweeping Danger of the AT&T Phone Records Breach” from Wired
“Ticketmaster Confirms Data Breach. Here’s What to Know.” from The New York Times
“AT&T says criminals stole phone records of ‘nearly all’ customers in new data breach” from TechCrunch
“What’s Behind the Increase in Data Breaches?” from The Wall Street Journal
“Here’s how much your personal information is worth to cybercriminals – and what they do with it” from The Conversation
“How an Elon Musk PAC is using voter data to help Trump beat Harris in 2024 election” from CNBC
“Forget Apple, the biggest loser in the Google search ruling could be Mozilla and its Firefox web browser” from Fortune
“U.S. climber Sam Watson smashes men’s speed world record with 4.75-second qualification run” from NBC Olympics

Make Me Smart is headed to Boston! You can find details about the live event and how to get early bird tickets here.

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It’s been a tumultuous Monday for global markets as investors worry about the strength of the American economy. We’ll explain the data points behind the stock market slide and what it could mean for the Federal Reserve’s upcoming decisions on interest rates. And, we’ll get into what the fallout of former President Donald Trump’s appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists says about microaggressions in the workplace. Plus, women’s rugby, Flavor Flav and all things Olympics.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Trump attacks Harris’s Black identity at NABJ conference. Harris says Americans ‘deserve better.’” from The Washington Post
“Traders Bet on Fed Emergency Rate Cuts, but Officials Need More to React” from The New York Times
“U.S. women’s rugby team’s recent $4M gift is momentous for the sport: ‘We’ve always wanted to be included'” from CNBC
“Flavor Flav’s new reality: Tackling gender pay inequality in sports, one Olympic polo match at a time” from The Oregonian
“An Olympian couldn’t pay her rent. Flavor Flav and Alexis Ohanian stepped in to help” from CNN Sports
“Flavor Flav Signs Five-Year Sponsorship Deal as Official Hype Man for USA Water Polo Women’s and Men’s National Teams” from USA Water Polo
“Google pulls Gemini AI ad from Olympics after backlash” from The Verge

We love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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It’s been a few months since our deep dive on populism, but following the annoucement of JD Vance as Trump’s VP pick, the term is back in the headlines. Today, we’re revisiting that episode because it’s important to know what populism is and isn’t, and why a specific brand of populism is on the rise. We will be back next week with new episodes after a short summer break. Until then, keep sending us your thoughts, questions and comments at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “It’s a major global election year, and populism is on the ballot” from Ipsos
- “Trump, Brexit, and the Rise of Populism: Economic Have-Nots and Cultural Backlash” from Harvard Kennedy School
- “Revealed: the rise and rise of populist rhetoric” from The Guardian
- “Populism is morphing in insidious ways” from The Atlantic
- “US 2.0: Not at the Dinner Table” from Hidden Brain Media
- “How a health-care cyberattack may affect your prescription drug access” from The Washington Post
- “Calls Mount for Government Help as Change Healthcare Hack Freezes Medical Payments” from The Wall Street Journal
- “China’s New Economic Agenda, a Lot Like the Old One: Takeaways” from The New York Times
- Subscribe to the “Make Me Smart” newsletter

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On today’s edition of Economics on Tap, we’ll get into some news while toasting the start of the 2024 Paris Olympics. First, Kimberly teaches us how to make an Olympic torch cocktail (complete with a real flame)! And, we’ll play a Paris Games-themed round of This or That. But first, a discussion of the history of women’s sportswear at the Olympic Games and Boeing’s Starliner crew (still) stuck in space.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“50 days after launch to ISS, Boeing Starliner astronauts still have no landing date” from Space
“Olympic athletes are approaching the limits of human performance” from The Washington Post
“From Corsets to Singlets, the Olympics Have Driven the Evolution of Women’s Sportswear” from Smithsonian magazine
“How Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky does what no one else does. Every day.” from The Washington Post
“The Double Kick” from 99% Invisible
“Today, Explained podcast” from Vox

Keep sending us your Olympic-themed cocktail ideas. Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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When President Biden leaves office in 2025, he’ll leave behind a series of industrial policies like the CHIPS Act and Inflation Reduction Act that have turned United States economic policy on its head. We’ll get into why it may take decades to see these initiatives fully play out. And, we’ll get into Vice President Kamala Harris’s budding economic agenda. Plus, why Tesla and other tech companies were a drag on the stock market this week.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“What happens to Biden’s industrial policy initiatives now?” from Marketplace
“The Momala Economy: The candidate caregivers have been waiting for” from 19th News
“Tesla earnings: Automotive revenue falls 7% in Q2, robotaxi timing unclear” from Axios
“What goes up must come back down” from Marketplace
VIDEO: “Paris” by The Brevet

Join us tomorrow for our 2024 Olympics Edition of Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. And watch the hosts square off in a round of This/That!

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Ahead of this year’s election, politicians are spinning out all kinds of narratives about how immigration hurts the U.S. economy. But an analysis by the Congressional Budget Office projects that a surge in immigration over the next decade will ultimately lower the federal deficit. We’ll do the numbers. Then, we’ll get into why former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers compared the Republican Party’s economic agenda to former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss’ infamous mini-budget disaster. And, Kai tells us about his cool dad moment.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Summers Says GOP Fiscal Plans Set US Up for ‘Liz Truss Moment’” from Bloomberg
“Undocumented immigrants will boost economy, lower deficit, CBO says” from The Hill
“Effects of the Immigration Surge on the Federal Budget and the Economy” from the Congressional Budget Office
“Why Hydrangeas Are Blooming Spectacularly in the Northeast This Summer” from The New York Times
“Chappell Roan Booked a Tour. Then She Blew Up.” from The New York Times

Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Today, we’re talking about one of Kai Ryssdal’s favorite topics: soccer! The sport’s U.S. audience is only expected grow, especially as the country gets ready to host the World Cup in 2026. Paul Tenorio, soccer writer for The Athletic, said access to the sport has changed dramatically for Americans over the last decade. On the show today, Tenorio explains why soccer is gaining a new audience, what lessons American stadiums can learn from mistakes at the recent Copa América tournament, and how legendary player Lionel Messi is bringing eyes and money to the game in the United States.

Then, we’ll get into how companies are using troves of data to target different consumers, and why this “surveillance pricing” has caught the attention of the Federal Trade Commission. And, what a travel editor got wrong about repeat travel.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The Messi Effect – How One Single Player Will Impact Soccer In America” from Forbes
“‘It was inhuman’: Why the Copa America final was delayed and dangerously close to disaster” from The Athletic
“U.S. Soccer Fans Are Younger, More Diverse Than Fans of Other Sports” from Morning Consult
“What Messi’s MLS, Apple, Adidas deal means for everyone else” from ESPN
“You’re not going crazy — you may actually be paying higher prices than other people” from CNN Business
“FTC Issues Orders to Eight Companies Seeking Information on Surveillance Pricing” from the Federal Trade Commission
“Why Is the US Deficit So Big? Depends on Who You Ask” from Bloomberg
“What the bond market’s telling us, or not, about Biden’s withdrawal” from Marketplace

Send us your suggestions for Paris Games-themed cocktails or let us know what Olympic events you’re looking forward to watching. Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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It’s official, folks. Over the weekend, President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race and Vice President Kamala Harris stepped in. Some are pointing out similarities between VP Harris’ eleventh-hour candidacy and the “glass cliff effect,” when a woman is put in a position of leadership to fix a company in crisis. We’ll get into it and fill you in on how the Harris campaign is leaning into memes to attract the Gen Z vote. Plus, gaps in China’s newly released economic plans leave questions about the country’s ability to turn things around.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Heat pumps, EV chargers and more: U.S. unveils $4.3 billion in local climate funds” from The Washington Post
“When That Job Promotion Is Really a ‘Glass Cliff'” from The New York Times
“China’s Long Blueprint for Economy Falls Short on Details, Raising Concerns” from The Wall Street Journal
“What coconut trees and Charli XCX’s ‘Brat’ have to do with Kamala Harris” from The Washington Post
“What is Kamala Harris’ ‘brat’ rebrand all about?” from BBC News
“Brat campaign: Harris team swiftly embraces Gen Z memes about VP” from Axios

Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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In May, President Joe Biden’s campaign said it had a hefty $91 million stashed in the bank. If Biden were to end his candidacy, what would happen to all that cash? We’ll get into it. And, we’ll explain why the federal government’s plan to phase out its purchases of single-use plastics could have a sizable impact on the country’s use of plastic overall. Plus, we’ll get nostalgic for DVDs and paper checks during a game of Half Full/Half Empty! And, would you talk politics in the office?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“It’s time to stop arguing over the population slowdown and start adapting to it” from Vox
“What happens to Joe Biden’s campaign money?” from Reuters
“The White House Has a Plan to Slash Plastic Use in the U.S.” from The New York Times
“FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Releases New Strategy to Tackle Plastic Pollution, Takes Action to Reduce Single-Use Plastics in Federal Operations” from The White House
“What is Microsoft’s “blue screen of death?” Here’s what it means and how to fix it.” from CBS News
“RIP Redbox, a Bad Idea at the Worst Time” from Wired
“Hello Kitty Is Not a Cat and We’re Not OK” from E! News
“Target will stop accepting this old-school form of payment” from CNN Business
“How can we talk about politics in the workplace?” from Marketplace

Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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This week Sean O’Brien became the first ever president of the Teamsters union to speak at the Republican National Convention. We’ll explain why this ruffled some feathers and what it could mean for the relationship between unions and the Democratic Party. And, we’ll get into how the lock-in effect is shaping today’s housing market and why the Federal Reserve won’t wait for inflation to fall to 2% before lowering interest rates. Plus, when it comes to avoiding online misinformation while a crisis unfolds, patience is a virtue.

“Sean O’Brien: Why a union president crossed partisan lines for a starring role at Trump’s RNC” from CNN
“A Teamsters Boss Delivers Rare Speech to R.N.C.” from The New York Times
“First-time homebuyers are a growing share of the market” from Marketplace
“We fact-checked some of the rumors spreading online about the Trump assassination attempt” from Reuters
“How to Avoid Online Misinformation After Political Violence” from Marketplace Tech
“CPI inflation report June 2024” from CNBC
“Interest rates may work like a ‘Jedi mind trick’ to drive price trends” from Marketplace

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks and play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

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The transition to our clean energy economy is already underway. But progress on climate change may slow down as climate populism on the far right is taking root in developed economies. We’ll explain why cheaper, green technologies might be the antidote. Meanwhile, in Arizona, ballooning costs for a school voucher program triggered a state budget crisis. Plus, NASA blasted a Missy Elliot song all the way to Venus at the speed of light!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Populist opposition is threatening progress on climate change” from the Peterson Institute for International Economics
“School Vouchers Were Supposed to Save Taxpayer Money. Instead They Blew a Massive Hole in Arizona’s Budget.” from ProPublica
“A Missy Elliott Song Travels to Venus at the Speed of Light” from The New York Times
“Paris mayor swims in Seine ahead of Olympic Games opening” from Axios
“Pressed about jumping into Baltimore Harbor, Mayor Scott and others admit it’s still unsafe and illegal outside of organized events” from Baltimore Brew

Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Despite Recent Setbacks, There Is Still Hope For Democracy” from Forbes
“In ‘Democracy in Retrograde,’ Emily Amick Talks About Political Engagement and Her Cancer Diagnosis” from Teen Vogue
“What does Utah’s redistricting ruling do to voters’ ability to change laws?” from The Salt Lake Tribune
“Utah Supreme Court: Lawmakers must heed voter-passed gerrymandering reforms “ from Axios Salt Lake City
“Amazon’s Prime Day a ‘major’ cause of worker injuries, Senate probe finds” from CNBC
“US Retail Sales Excluding Autos Rise by Most in Three Months” from Bloomberg
“Gym Bags, Trunks, Back Doors: How Stealth Shoppers Hide Purchases” from The Wall Street Journal
“Financial Infidelity Report 2023: Why People Hide Purchases From Partners” from Circuit
“Inside a UPS warehouse that prioritizes super-fast shipping” from Marketplace

How are you getting involved in civic life? What helps you fend off feelings of hopelessness? Let us know at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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We’re still processing the news of the shooting at Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Pennsylvania over the weekend. On top of that, a federal judge dismissed the classified documents case against the former president. We’ll get into the news and why it matters how we talk about it. Then, we’ll explain why eviction rates remain above pre-pandemic levels in many parts of the country. Plus, some good news from the world of science about a malaria vaccine rollout in Ivory Coast and a $14 million investment in battery recycling.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Evictions Surge in Major Cities in the American Sunbelt” from The Wall Street Journal
“Judge dismisses Trump’s classified documents case” from The Washington Post
“Malaria Vaccines: Which Countries in Africa Are Using Serum’s New Shots?” from Bloomberg
“It Will Soon Be Easier for Americans to Recycle Batteries” from Wired
Biden-Harris Administration Announces $14 Million to Increase Domestic Battery Recycling from the U.S. Department of Energy
“How can we talk about politics in the workplace?” from Marketplace

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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In the aftermath of the debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, money’s been talking. Major donors to a key pro-Biden super PAC are reportedly putting donations worth $90 million on ice if Biden stays in the race. We’ll get into what the funding freeze means for the future of Biden’s campaign. Plus, guest host Sabri Ben-Achour makes us smart about cricket protein powder. And we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Donors to Pro-Biden Super PAC Are Said to Withhold Roughly $90 Million” from The New York Times
“Inside the glitzy Biden fundraiser that lost the president George Clooney” from The Washington Post
“Silkworm satay? Singapore approves insects as food” from CNN
“Dynamic pricing tech may brighten retail bottom lines and put consumers in the dark” from Marketplace
“Kids want $70 wrinkle creams. Parents and lawmakers are “fighting a losing battle”’ from Marketplace
“A Fancy Card Is Becoming the Only Way to Get a Restaurant Reservation” from The Atlantic
“Influencer Style Case Risks More Stolen Vibe Suits From Creators” from Bloomberg Law
“Amazon launched an AI shopping assistant — just in time for Prime Day” from Quartz

Before you get your weekend started, send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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If you’re waiting for interest rates to fall back to the near-zero levels of the 2010s, don’t hold your breath. On Capitol Hill this week, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell told senators that era is probably over. We’ll get into it. And, we’ll unpack why more NATO members are spending more on defense and what’s causing widespread financial strain for hospitals and health systems. Plus, how things could change for federal agencies and lawmakers in a post-Chevron doctrine world.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Era of near-zero interest rates likely over: Powell” from The Hill
“Fed steers interest rates on path toward ‘neutral'” from Marketplace
“NATO’s place in the global economy” from Marketplace
“NATO on the Edge: Biden Praises and Trump Denigrates a 75-Year Alliance” from The New York Times
“Health care openings still hot amid cooling job market” from Marketplace
“New AHA Report: Hospitals and Health Systems Continue to Face Rising Costs, Economic Pressures” from the American Hospital Association
“With end of ‘Chevron deference,’ Supreme Court changes how agencies, lawmakers work” from Marketplace

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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For the oldest members of Gen X, retirement is right around the corner. But a new report from BlackRock found only 60% of Gen X feels on track to retire, the lowest of any generation. We’ll do the numbers on which Americans feel confident in their retirement savings and what could explain generational and gender gaps. And, we’ll get into a social media horror story playing out at a Pennsylvania middle school. Plus, Team USA gymnasts will bring the sparkle factor to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Reality bites for Gen X retirement” from Axios
“Read on Retirement” from BlackRock
“Rules for 401(k) Withdrawals” from The Motley Fool
“Students Target Teachers in Group TikTok Attack, Shaking Their School” from The New York Times
“Team USA’s Olympic Gymnasts Will Wear Leotards With a Record Number of Crystals” from The New York Times
“See the U.S. Olympic gymnastic team’s new leotards encrusted in crystals” from The Washington Post
“SNL’s Teacher Sketch Gets Real About the Most Important Job: “Y’all Won”‘ from NBC Insider
“‘Shrek 5’ Set for 2026 with Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz Returning” from The Hollywood Reporter

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The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is as American as apple pie. But it wasn’t always this way, and it’s putting the housing market in a tough spot lately. A substantial amount of homeowners with low-rate mortgages are choosing to stay put in their homes rather than selling and buying a new one at higher rates. It’s created what’s known as a lock-in effect. On the show today, Andra Ghent, professor of finance at the University of Utah, explains how a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage became the norm in the United States, why it’s now putting the housing market in a bind, and how our mortgage system perpetuates inequality. Plus, could the Danish mortgage model work here?

Then, we’ll get into why the Federal Trade Commission is eyeing pharmacy benefit managers, the third-party companies that negotiate drug prices between health insurance providers and drugmakers. And, an editor at The Points Guy shares the story of a travel lesson learned.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Why do we have a 30-year mortgage, anyway?” from Marketplace
“A Huge Number of Homeowners Have Mortgage Rates Too Good to Give Up” from The New York Times
“A 30-Year Trap: The Problem With America’s Weird Mortgages” from The New York Times
“Denmark’s genius housing fix” from Business Insider
“Homeowners Don’t Want to Sell, So the Market for Brand-New Homes Is Booming” from The Wall Street Journal
“FTC Releases Interim Staff Report on Prescription Drug Middlemen” from the Federal Trade Commision
“F.T.C. Slams Middlemen for High Drug Prices, Reversing Hands-Off Approach” from The New York Times
“State Pharmacy Benefit Manager Legislation” from the National Academy for State Health Policy
“Prescription Drugs: Selected States’ Regulation of Pharmacy Benefit Managers” from the U.S. Government Accountability Office
“Fed Chair Powell talks up progress on inflation but says rate cuts not imminent yet” from CNN Business
“Software and social media to grab Congress’ attention” from Marketplace

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In June, global temperatures had surpassed 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels for 12 months straight, encroaching on the goal set in the Paris climate accord. We’ll explain why scientists use 1.5 degrees as a key benchmark and why it’s important to have hard conversations about climate change. Then, we’ll get into an investigation revealing how insurers profited from false diagnoses of Medicare patients. And, a billion-dollar donation to a medical school and new developments in textile recycling make us smile.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“In a troubling milestone, Earth surpasses 1.5 degrees C of warming for 12 consecutive months” from LA Times
“June 2024 marks 12th month of global temperature reaching 1.5°C above pre-industrial” from Copernicus
“Burning Questions: What’s the deal with 1.5 degrees?” from Marketplace
“‘We’re Not Dead Yet.’ Baby Boomers’ Good Times Drive the Economy.” from The Wall Street Journal
“Insurers Pocketed $50 Billion From Medicare for Diseases No Doctor Treated” from The Wall Street Journal
“How the Journal Analyzed Medicare Advantage Data” from The Wall Street Journal
“Why scientists think they may finally have found a way to recycle clothes” from The Washington Post
“Johns Hopkins to offer free medical school tuition from $1 billion Bloomberg Philanthropies grant” from The Baltimore Banner
“$1 Billion Donation Will Provide Free Tuition at a Bronx Medical School” from The New York Times

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Hey Smarties! We’re on a little break for the Fourth of July holiday. So today we’re bringing you an episode from our friends at “This Is Uncomfortable.” It’s all about the fashion industry and the workers who make the clothes we buy (and often throw away). In this episode, producer Alice Wilder introduces us to one garment worker’s personal fight for fair pay and the push to improve conditions for garment workers like her.

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Hey Smarties! We’re off for the Fourth of July holiday. So today we’re bringing you a super fun episode of “Million Bazillion” that’ll teach you and your kiddos about a bit of our nation’s history and a highly secretive landmark. It’s all about Fort Knox, known as one of the most secure places in the world, and why it holds so much of the country’s gold. Plus, its role in stabilizing the U.S. economy in a time of crisis.

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Much in our modern lives depends on GPS. But the United States’ GPS system is getting old and hasn’t kept up with international competition. We’ll get into how this leaves the U.S. vulnerable to national security threats. And, new data shows that as abortion protections have eroded across the country, more young women have been getting sterilized. Plus, one nonprofit’s work to give kids who’ve aged out of foster care a bona fide college move-in experience, and a women’s soccer stadium’s surprise success story.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Why GPS Is Under Attack” from The New York Times
“Rate of Young Women Getting Sterilized Doubled After Roe Was Overturned” from MedPage Today
“Move-In Day Mafia Helps Kids From Foster Care Settle In College” from Black Enterprise
“No One Wanted to Finance Their Stadium. Now Every Game Is a Sellout.” from The Wall Street Journal

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It’s been about four years since the great remote work experiment took off for many employees who work computer-bound jobs. After plenty of back and forth between return-to-office mandates and work-from-home advocates, neither side really won. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the share of Americans doing some or all of their work from home has leveled off to about 35%. On the show today, The New York Times’ Emma Goldberg explains who’s working from home these days and how it’s impacting both employees and their bosses. Plus, the commercial real estate question looms large over the remote work debate.

Then, we’ll get into why the Joe Biden administration’s new protections for workers in extreme heat could be threatened by recent Supreme Court rulings and a potential second Trump presidency. And, the CEO of GS1, the company administering retail barcodes, didn’t see the QR code takeover coming.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Work From Home Data Shows Who’s Fully Remote, Hybrid and in Person” from The New York Times
“Research: How Remote Work Impacts Women at Different Stages of Their Careers” from Harvard Business Review
“More Americans now prefer hybrid over fully remote work, survey finds” from Axios
“Remote Workers Are Losing Out on Promotions, New Data Shows” from The Wall Street Journal
“Dell said return to the office or else—nearly half of workers chose “or else'” from Ars Technica
“Tesla delivered fewer vehicles to customers for the second quarter in a row” from The Verge
“Biden to announce heat rules as climate-related deaths rise” from Politico
“Fact check: Republicans, not Democrats, eliminated the Senate filibuster on Supreme Court nominees” from USA Today

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A Supreme Court ruling today gives companies a dramatically wider window to challenge federal regulations with lawsuits. We’ll get into why this is particularly important in light of a separate decision to overturn the Chevron doctrine, and how it could impact other federal regulations like the Federal Trade Commission’s ban on noncompete clauses. Then, we’ll discuss the Supreme Court’s decision on former President Donald Trump’s immunity case and where the heck we go from here. Plus, what you can do to protect the health of our democracy.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Supreme Court rules Trump has some immunity in D.C. election interference case” from NBC News
“Supreme Court Extends Time Frame for Challenges to Regulations” from The New York Times
“Biden to extend overtime protections for 1 million workers” from The Hill
Post on Bluesky from Squire Boone
“American democracy is cracking. These ideas could help repair it.” from The Washington Post
“Five Strategies to Support U.S. Democracy” from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
“How to Protect Democracy” from Protect Democracy
“Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation” from The New York Times

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There were no fireworks for the Democratic Party during last night’s debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. While Trump made false claims throughout the night, Biden did little to assuage fears that he’s not up to the job. We’ll get into how the Biden campaign’s fundraising strategy is already shifting and what it might mean for downballot races. Then, we’ll weigh in on Fourth of July travel and drone light shows during a game of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Debate takeaways: Trump confident, even when wrong, Biden halting, even with facts on his side” from AP News
“Biden-Trump presidential debate draws 48 million TV viewers” from Axios
“Politics and ‘a tale of different economies”’ from Marketplace
“Why taxpayers keep footing much of the bill for new sports stadiums” from Marketplace
“Google puts an end to continuous scroll” from Marketplace
“MTV News Website Goes Dark, Archives Pulled Offline” from Variety
“Fourth of July travel is set to break records. Here’s how to plan.” from The Washington Post
“Why drones are replacing fireworks shows” from National Geographic
“We RICK ROLLED The City of Austin, TX With 600 Drones” on YouTube

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The U.S. Supreme Court dealt a huge blow to the Securities and Exchange Commission today when it ruled against its use of in-house judges to enforce securities fraud laws. We’ll get into why the decision will make the SEC’s job harder and what it could mean for other federal agencies. Plus, we’ll bust a common myth about Social Security and explain why homeownership is key factor in how Americans are faring in this economy.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“US Supreme Court faults SEC’s use of in-house judges in latest curbs on agency powers” from Reuters
“The Supreme Court’s chaotic SEC v. Jarkesy decision endangers ‘hundreds of statutes'” from Vox
“Social Security cuts are inevitable by 2035 unless lawmakers act” from Marketplace
“How the Inflation Reduction Act could change the future of one Native American reservation” from Marketplace
“Credit card delinquencies are climbing” from Marketplace
“Are we living in a K-shaped economy?” from Marketplace

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This year’s Supreme Court decision season has been a busy one, and it’s not over yet. We’ll get into the court’s leaked opinion on emergency abortions and two other expected decisions that have the business world watching. Plus, another round of Cybertruck recalls and why it’s fine to keep referring to X as Twitter (per one Supreme Court justice).

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Supreme Court Poised to Allow Idaho Emergency Abortions: Exclusive” from Bloomberg
“Trump’s immunity, Jan. 6, abortion: The Supreme Court’s most controversial decisions are about to drop” from Politico
“What would Congress do without Chevron deference?” from Roll Call
“Tesla recalls every Cybertruck again” from Mashable
“Tesla is recalling the Cybertruck again, this time because a piece can fly off” from CNN
Tweet from John Shelton about the Supreme Court and the X/Twitter name debacle
Your donation powers the journalism you rely on. Give today to support “Make Me Smart.”

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In the wake of the COVID-19 recession, many economists were describing the United States’ economic recovery as K-shaped. Basically, high-income Americans bounced back quicker than those at the lower end of the income scale. So, did we ever ditch that K shape? The person who coined the phrase “K-shaped recovery” back then, says no. On the show today, Peter Atwater, president of Financial Insyghts and adjunct professor at the College of William & Mary, explains why he believes economic inequality has grown since the pandemic recovery, why considerable wage gains for low-wage workers tell only part of the story and the risks of letting a K-shaped economy run wild.

Then, we’ll get into how the fragility of global shipping supply chains could be playing into Federal Reserve decisions on interest rates. And, happy wedding anniversary, Susanna!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The ‘K’ Is Not OK” from LinkedIn
“Inflation Is Bringing Back the K-Shaped Economy” from Bloomberg
“Behind America’s divided economy: Booming luxury travel and a jump in ‘relief’ loans” from CNBC
“A tight labor market and state minimum wage increases boosted low-end wage growth between 2019 and 2023” from the Economic Policy Institute
“U.S. Wealth Inequality: Gaps Remain Despite Widespread Wealth Gains” from the St. Louis Federal Reserve
“First publicly funded religious charter school in US ruled unconstitutional” from The Hill
“Fed’s Bowman Warns of Upside Risks to Inflation, Not Time to Cut” from Bloomberg
“Supply Chain Under Strain as Houthis Intensify Red Sea Strikes” from The New York Times
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Groups aligned with former President Trump are hunting through information to come up with a list of federal employees who might be resistant to a second Trump administration. We’ll discuss the push to reshape government. Plus, is the urban/rural divide a myth? And, a viral voicemail pep talk from a testing center worker makes us smile.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“In This Debate, CNN Is the Decider” from The New York Times
“Growing rural-urban divide exists only among white Americans” from Cornell Chronicle
“The Number of People Primarily Working From Home Tripled Between 2019 and 2021” from the U.S. Census Bureau
“Conservative-backed group is creating a list of federal workers it suspects could resist Trump plans” from AP News
“A 3-year-old voicemail goes viral, leads to emotional reunion” from The Washington Post
“Why Men Are ‘Rawdogging’ Flights” from GQ

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Four years after the Internal Revenue Service created a tax credit to help struggling businesses get through the pandemic, the agency ultimately plans to reject the majority of claims filed under the program. We’ll explain how it became swamped with fraud. And, Major League Baseball legend Reggie Jackson opened up about the racism he and other Black players faced in the ’60s. We’ll get into it. And, we’ll play a round of Half Full / Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“IRS says it will deny most claims of pandemic tax credit for employers” from The Washington Post
“With pardons in Maryland, 2.5 million Americans will have marijuana convictions cleared or forgiven” from The Associated Press
MLB Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson remembers Willie Mays from Gary Parrish on X
“It’s Time to Stop Inviting Plus-Ones to Weddings” from The Atlantic
“First Came ‘Spam.’ Now, With A.I., We’ve Got ‘Slop’” from The New York Times
“Netflix House Will Let You Experience Your Favorite Shows, Movies in Real Life” from Netflix Tudum
“What’s to become of summer Fridays in the age of hybrid work?” from CNN
“Surgeon General: Why I’m Calling for a Warning Label on Social Media Platforms” from The New York Times

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This week, senators grilled Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun about the aviation company’s safety culture and its retaliation against whistleblowers. But these problems are just the tip of the iceberg for Boeing. We’ll explain. Plus, why President Joe Biden’s new immigration plan is a big deal. And, who knew there were this many cricket fans in the U.S.?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun testifies before Senate committee on safety issues” from CNBC
“‘Why haven’t you resigned?’ Senators torch Boeing CEO as he apologizes for deadly failures” from Politico
“Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun Apologizes for Quality and Safety Issues at Senate Hearing” from The New York Times
“Boeing’s CEO Search Hits Some Snags” from The Wall Street Journal
“President Biden Announces Plan for Undocumented Spouses on DACA Anniversary” from C-SPAN
“Biden immigration program offers legal status to 500,000 spouses of U.S. citizens. Here’s how it works.” from CBS News
“The economy is roaring. Immigration is a key reason.” from The Washington Post
“Supreme Court rejects challenge to tax on foreign corporate investments” from CNBC
“The Supreme Court upholds a tax on foreign income over a challenge backed by business interests” from The Associated Press
“The Supreme Court leaves a Trump-era offshore tax in place on investors” from NPR
“Supreme Court Upholds Trump-Era Tax Provision” from The New York Times
“ Rising Popularity of Cricket in US” from Bloomberg
“Uber Drivers, Techies Score Wins for Team USA at ICC T20 World Cup 2024” from Bloomberg
“T20 World Cup: The USA cricket team is capturing hearts and minds with historic run” from CNN

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks and play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

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In honor of Juneteenth, we’re bringing you an episode of a new podcast from APM Studios that’s especially relevant on this holiday. In the podcast, “What Happened in Alabama?” host Lee Hawkins unpacks his family history, confronts cycles of trauma and grapples with an issue many Black families face: how to keep land in the family.

This episode is about Black land loss. In 1910, Black farmers collectively owned over 16 million acres of farmland. A century later, over 90% of that land is no longer owned by Black farmers. Lee explores that tumultuous history and what Black families can do to hold on to their property.

If you’d like to hear more episodes from the series, you can find “What Happened in Alabama?” wherever you get podcasts.

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A recent survey found that almost 15% of Americans have co-bought a home with someone other than a romantic partner, and almost half said they’d consider it. This is part of a larger trend — many Americans are choosing to structure their lives around friends as opposed to a spouse or romantic partner. On the show today, Rhaina Cohen, author of “The Other Significant Others: Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center,” explains what it really means to build your life around friends and the financial costs and benefits that come with it. Plus, how the LGBTQ+ community has shaped the conversation around the issue.

Then, we’ll unpack what baby boomers’ retirement readiness says about the wealth gap in the United States. And, the endless possibilities for crab emojis and why our intern, Thalia, was wrong about her curly hair.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Why more people are buying houses with their friends” from Axios
“What If Friendship, Not Marriage, Was at the Center of Life?” from The Atlantic
“Inflation Widens Married Couples’ Money Lead Over Their Single Friends” from The Wall Street Journal
“Want financial security in America? Better get married.” from Vox
“Two Women Redefine What it Means to Marry Your Best Friend” from The New York Times
“If you can’t stay indoors during this US heat wave, here are a few ideas” from AP News
“Northeast Heat Wave 2024: This Is a Disaster. Treat It That Way” from Bloomberg
“US Retirement Accounts Are Flush for Millions of Older Americans” from Bloomberg

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With the elections for president, the Senate and the House just 4½ months away, misinformation is on the rise. We’ll get into the kind of false narratives to look for on the campaign trail. Plus, how loopholes in medical billing underscore the importance of change at the state and local levels. And, the story of a remote-controlled robot that rescues swimmers in distress.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Post about the Republican National Committee from Jay Nordlinger on X
“Even Doctors Like Me Are Falling Into This Medical Bill Trap” from The New York Times
“Watch a robot race over Lake Michigan waves to help a swimmer” from MLive
“Which sentence do you think is grammatically correct?” from YouGov

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A new pitch from former President Donald Trump calls for replacing income tax with tariffs. We’ll get into why the math doesn’t add up. Plus, chemical hair relaxers are making Black women sick, so why are they still being sold? And, we’ll weigh in on Apple entering the AI race, Hollywood studios buying movie theaters, and using speakerphone in public during a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Post about Donald Trump’s “all tariffs policy” from Emily Wilkins on X
“The Disturbing Truth About Hair Relaxers” from The New York Times
“Alex Jones’ personal assets to be sold to pay $1.5B Sandy Hook debt. Company bankruptcy is dismissed” from The Associated Press
“Why decaf coffee is growing in popularity” from Marketplace
“Apple announces AI features” from Marketplace
“Games Are Proving Their Pull on News and Tech Sites” from The New York Times
“Sony Pictures Acquires Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Landmark Deal That Puts Studios Back in Theater Game” from The Hollywood Reporter
“Living Out Loud, Headphones Nowhere to Be Found” from The New York Times

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About 15 million Americans collectively have $49 million in medical debt on their credit reports, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. But a new proposed rule might remove these bills from their credit scores. We’ll explain. Plus, the domino effect of local elections being funded by national players. And, how Apple’s new AI features could change the language of emoji.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Vice President Kamala Harris On Sherri” from “Sherri”
“CFPB Proposes to Ban Medical Bills from Credit Reports” from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
“CFPB Finds 15 Million Americans Have Medical Bills on Their Credit Reports” from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
“Biden Proposes Dropping Medical Debt From Credit Reports” from The New York Times
“More parents are cosigning their kids’ mortgages” from Marketplace
“Co-Borrowing Is on the Rise for First-Time Homebuyers” from Freddie Mac
“Campaign donors hope money makes the difference in hotly contested states” from Marketplace
“Apple Intelligence in 5 minutes” from Apple
“Apple announces AI features” from Marketplace

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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It’s a New York edition of “Make Me Smart”! Marketplace’s Kristin Schwab joins Kimberly in the NYC bureau to discuss a growing trend in the city that never sleeps: Nightlife is winding down a lot earlier these days, and that might be good for businesses. But first, why Tornado Alley may be migrating east, and a deeper look into the legal loopholes of campaign finance. Plus, the rescue of an orphaned baby elephant is making us smile.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Tornadoes shifting east in the U.S., study finds, putting more people at risk” from The Washington Post
“Everything You Need to Know About the New ‘Twisters’ Movie” from Parade
“$800K transfer from billionaire donor to US Chamber raises curtain on dark money” from The Hill
“Reservations at 5 p.m.? Why the early bird dinner is cool again” from The Globe and Mail
“Forget Partying Till the Wee Hours. Newlyweds Want to End Early.” from The New York Times
“This dance party made for elder Millennials ends at 10pm” from Time Out
“6 p.m. dinner reservations are losing their stigma” from Marketplace
“The Rescue of Toto” from Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
“African elephants address one another with individually specific name-like calls” from Nature Ecology & Evolution
“Scientists used AI to figure out elephants have names for themselves” from Business Insider

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It’s decision season for the U.S. Supreme Court, meaning the court is weighing in on a slew of cases dealing with a wide range of issues, including abortion medication restrictions and the power of federal agencies. One legal doctrine has become more and more influential in that decision-making: originalism. But Madiba Dennie, author of the new book “The Originalism Trap: How Extremists Stole the Constitution and How We the People Can Take It Back,” calls that a relatively recent phenomenon. On the show today, Dennie explains what originalism is, how it gained a foothold in American legal thought and why she believes its rise has eroded Americans’ rights and threatened economic stability. Plus, her idea for how we move forward.

Then, we’ll get into the movie-worthy story of an African American man who escaped slavery and became a fierce critic of the Constitution. Plus, Patrick Schumacker, an executive producer of the TV series “Abbott Elementary,” answers the Make Me Smart question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Throw Originalism Out. It’s Time for Inclusive Constitutionalism.” from Slate
“Originalism, Amy Coney Barrett’s approach to the Constitution, explained” from Vox
“Even the Founders Didn’t Believe in Originalism” from The Atlantic
“What is originalism? Did it underpin the Supreme Court’s ruling on abortion and guns? Debunking the myths” from The Conversation
“The biggest 2024 Supreme Court rulings so far, and what’s still to come” from The Washington Post
“A Furious, Forgotten Slave Narrative Resurfaces After Nearly 170 Years” from The New York Times
“Facebook owner Meta seeks to train AI model on European data as it faces privacy concerns” from AP News

What have you been wrong about lately? Let us know at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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The main channel into the Port of Baltimore is expected to reopen soon, but the city is still dealing with the aftermath of the collapse of Francis Scott Key Bridge in late March. Guest host Amy Scott explains how the port’s closure has affected global supply chains, shipping container costs and life in Baltimore. Plus, a shake-up at the Federal Election Commission is making certain gray areas of campaign finance even grayer. Then, we’ll celebrate the first transgender and Asian American woman to be crowned Miss Maryland USA.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Full channel into Port of Baltimore expected to open ‘in the next few days,’ officials say” from The Baltimore Sun
“With widened channel, port seeks to recover traffic lost after Key Bridge collapse” from The Baltimore Sun
“Sudden container crunch sends ocean freight rates soaring, setting off global trade alarm bells” from CNBC
“How the Federal Election Commission Went From Deadlock to Deregulation” from The New York Times
“Bailey Anne Kennedy: Trans woman wins Miss Maryland USA, makes pageant history” from The Baltimore Banner
“Gen Z Plumbers and Construction Workers Are Making #BlueCollar Cool” from The Wall Street Journal
“A labor shortage stands in the way of the clean energy transition” from Marketplace

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It’s Friday, folks! Today we’re talking about some news coming from former President Donald Trump, who has vowed to take away key spending powers from Congress if reelected. We’ll get into what that would mean in practice. Plus, we’ll talk through the latest from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which just announced it’ll be decreasing the number of households surveyed for important reports like the monthly jobs report. It’s a move that will make decoding what’s going on in our economy more a little more challenging. Plus, we’ll get into Bazooka gum, the rise of Uncrustables and Forever Stamps getting more expensive during a round of Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“US Jobs Household Survey Size to Be Cut Due to Budget Constraints” from Bloomberg
“Trump plans to claim sweeping powers to cancel federal spending” from The Washington Post
“Does Texas need its own stock exchange?” from Marketplace
“From school cafeterias to professional athletes, Uncrustables sandwiches are everywhere” from Marketplace
“Bazooka Candy’s CEO on the brand’s sweet athlete investment deal” from Marketplace
“Some New Yorkers are pushing for open streets to be permanent” from Marketplace
“Forever stamps are about to get more expensive — again” from Marketplace

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The European Central Bank is joining Canada in cutting interest rates after months and months of holding them steady. But the U.S. Federal Reserve isn’t likely to follow suit, at least not yet. We’ll explain why. Then, we’ll dig deeper into the political and financial motivations for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s abrupt decision to block congestion pricing in New York City. Plus, what antitrust investigations into Nvidia, Microsoft and OpenAI could mean for AI mania.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“European Central Bank Cuts Interest Rates for the First Time Since 2019” from The New York Times
“ECB: Interest rates are coming down in Europe. The Fed won’t follow yet” from CNN
“Canada becomes first G7 nation to cut interest rates” from Reuters
“Advocates for congestion pricing want Governor Hochul to think about long-term benefits” from ABC7 New York
“Big Auto And The Death Of Traffic Congestion Reform” from The Lever
“Banerji: Seeing a true mania in Nvidia and meme stock trading” from CNBC
“Angel Reese: People watch WNBA for me too, not just one person!” from ESPN
“The ugly discourse surrounding Caitlin Clark” from The Washington Post

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, and play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

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Triple-digit heat waves are spreading across the Southwest, and many incarcerated people have to endure the extreme weather without air conditioning. We’ll get into why state legislatures have been slow to address the problem and why it’ll only get worse as temperatures rise. Plus, we’ll get into New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s last minute switch-up on congestion pricing. And, the story of a TikTok influencer treating day laborers to days off at Disneyland is making us smile.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Hochul Halts Congestion Pricing in a Stunning 11th-Hour Shift” from The New York Times
“A year of record global heat has pushed Earth closer to dangerous threshold” from The Washington Post
“‘Cooking someone to death’: Southern states resist calls to add air conditioning to prisons” from Politico
“This 27-year-old keeps taking day laborers to Disneyland. One thing always catches his attention” from CNN
“Boeing Starliner launches 2 NASA astronauts into space in first piloted test flight” from Fox Business

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With the 2024 election only five months away, polls abound. But since 2016, polls have had somewhat of a bad rap, and many Americans have become skeptical of their reliability.

David Dutwin, senior vice president of strategic initiatives at NORC at the University of Chicago, said we’re thinking about polls all wrong. On the show today, Dutwin explains what polls can and can’t tell us, how to spot a high-quality poll and what kind of role polling should play in our understanding of elections. Plus, what’s keeping pollsters up at night.

Then, we’ll talk about how the Joe Biden administration is addressing an issue that’s top of mind, according to a new Gallup survey: immigration. And, a Half Full/Half Empty update on the job market.

Later, one listener’s small-scale solution to the Big Food problem, and a divisive grammar debate. Plus, a listener was wrong about the meaning of “vibecession.”

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“What Can Election 2024 Polls Really Tell Us?” from Scientific American
“Polling in 2024” from Reuters
View the latest national polls from FiveThirtyEight
“Public Opinion Polling Basics” from Pew Research Center
“We still don’t know much about this election — except that the media and pollsters blew it again” from The Washington Post
“US Job Openings Fall to Lowest Since 2021 in Broad Cooldown” from Bloomberg
“Immigration Named Top U.S. Problem for Third Straight Month” from Gallup
“Biden issues new executive action: Much of southern border to close at midnight” from Politico
“Biden prepares an order that would shut down asylum requests at US-Mexico border” from The Associated Press
“Kyla Scanlon wants to remind us that ‘people are the economy’” from Marketplace

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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The results of a new Bloomberg poll indicate that the markets suspect a second Trump presidency would put the Federal Reserve’s independence in jeopardy. We’ll get into what the former president’s advisors have said about his plans for the central bank. And, Republicans are gearing up to challenge upcoming election results while Democrats prepare to counter those lawsuits. Plus, why we want to be Simone Biles when we grow up.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Launch of NASA Astronauts in Boeing’s Starliner Is Scrubbed” from The New York Times
“A Trump Win Would Threaten Fed Independence, Move Bonds: Poll” from Bloomberg
“Washington Journal: Stephen Moore on Economic Issues and Campaign 2024” from C-SPAN
“The legal fight over the 2024 election has begun” from Axios
“Congress Just Made It Basically Impossible to Track Taylor Swift’s Private Jet” from Gizmodo
“Clarence Thomas Secretly Accepted Luxury Trips From GOP Donor” from ProPublica
“Simone Biles cruises to 9th national title and gives Olympic champ Sunisa Lee a boost along the way” from The Associated Press

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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The latest data from the Federal Reserve’s favorite inflation measure hinted that inflation is cooling. But the Fed is still on guard, meaning higher interest rates for longer than many had expected. We’ll get into how that will likely be felt differently by Americans at opposite ends of the income spectrum. Then, we’ll get into the risky return of zero-down mortgages. Plus, we’ll weigh in on Chevy Malibus and merch during a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Inflation Remains Steady, With Signs of Further Cooling” from The New York Times
“Zero-down mortgages are making a comeback” from CNN
“CFPB Launches Inquiry into Junk Fees in Mortgage Closing Costs” from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
“GM to discontinue the Chevy Malibu later this year” from Marketplace
“Zoom cashiers may signal a new era of digital offshoring and remote work” from Marketplace
“Venice’s new admission fee cannot curb overtourism” from The Economist
“Chobani Yogurt Founder Buys Anchor Brewing Company” from The New York Times
“The End of Merch” from GQ

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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A former OpenAI board member dropped a bombshell allegation about CEO Sam Altman and the company’s ethics. But this isn’t the first time employees have expressed safety concerns about the company. We’ll explain. Plus, a new rule aims to protect buy now, pay later users. And, how college sports might finally get recognized as a multibillion-dollar business.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The Golden Triangle: How the CHIPS Act is changing one Arizona neighborhood” from Marketplace
“What really went down at OpenAI and the future of regulation w/ Helen Toner” from The TED AI Show
“Former OpenAI board member explains why they fired Sam Altman” from The Verge
“Commissioner Sankey: ‘There’s no better time to be a student-athlete’” from SEC Sports
“What to know about House v. NCAA settlement and a historic day for college sports” from The New York Times
“Klarna CEO on CFPB declaration: Wise to put regulations around this” from CNBC
“CFPB Takes Action to Ensure Consumers Can Dispute Charges and Obtain Refunds on Buy Now, Pay Later Loans” from Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
“Buy now, pay later debt grows but is hidden from credit bureaus” from Marketplace

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks and play a round of Half Full/Half Empty.

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After years of having a frosty relationship, Elon Musk and Donald Trump are warming up to each other. We’ll discuss what a potential political marriage might mean for a second Trump administration. Plus, who actually donates to political campaigns? Later, we’ll smile about two giant pandas returning to D.C.’s National Zoo!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Fewer Americans to Make Political Donations in 2024” from LendingTree
“Fewer Americans plan to donate to political campaigns: Survey” from The Hill
“Inside Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s Growing Alliance” from The Wall Street Journal
“Two New Giant Pandas Coming to Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute From China by End of the Year” from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
“The Pandas Are Coming!” from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
“Latest North Korean Offensive: Dumping Trash on South Korea From the Sky” from The New York Times

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Here’s everything else we talked about today:

“Lax Antitrust Enforcement Imperils The Nation’s Supply Chains” from Forbes
“What Is “Big Ag,” and Why Should You Be Worried About Them?” from Union of Concerned Scientists
“The problem with growing corporate concentration and power in the global food system” from Nature Food
“Major retailers are offering summer deals to entice inflation-weary shoppers” from AP News
“US Consumer Confidence Rises for First Time in Four Months” from Bloomberg
“Inflation now means high prices, not just rising costs” from Axios
“What do Americans think about inflation?” from The Brookings Institution
“Boeing Prepared to Fly Crewed Space Taxi With Helium Leak” from Bloomberg

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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More tariffs from the Joe Biden administration on Chinese goods are on the way, and he gave his blessing to some Trump-era tariffs. We’ll break it down. Plus, why a story about a local public library becoming an adults-only space may be a warning of things to come. Later, we’ll weigh in on Chuck E. Cheese’s animatronic band, whales sinking yachts and “quiet vacationing” during a round of Half Full / Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Biden Extends Tariff Exemptions on Some Imports From China” from Bloomberg
“Donnelly Public Library announces it will become adults-only library, cites Idaho Legislature’s library bill” from KTVB
“Employers can offer a new benefit: Matching student loan payments with 401(k) contributions” from Marketplace
“After Outcry, Chuck E. Cheese Says It Will Keep More Animatronic Bands” from The New York Times
“The Mad Scientist and the Killer Whales” from Rolling Stone
“The restaurant reservation resale game is on the rise in New York City” from Marketplace
“Some younger workers are ‘quiet vacationing’ rather than using PTO” from Marketplace

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After Israel threatened to cut ties between Israeli and Palestinian banks, Treasury Secretary Yellen warned it could worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and create economic instability in the West Bank. We’ll also explain one reason why U.S. military spending is so high, get updates on the AI economy’s hot shot, Nvidia, and the U.S. government’s battle against Big Ticket.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Yellen Warns Israel Against Cutting off Palestinian Banks” from The New York Times
- “Yellen concerned about Israel’s threats to cut off Palestinian banks” from Reuters
- VIDEO: “VIRAL MOMENT: Michael Waltz Confronts Air Force Officials With Staggeringly Expensive Components” from Forbes Breaking News
- “Pentagon falling victim to price gouging by military contractors” from CBS News
- “New Bipartisan Bill Allows Military Contractors To Fleece Taxpayers” from The Lever
- “Nvidia dominates in AI, but others are trying to chip away” from Marketplace
- “US sues to break up Ticketmaster and Live Nation in a groundbreaking monopoly lawsuit” from CNN Business

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks and play a round of Half Full/Ha

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Red Lobster, the popular seafood chain, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection this week after closing dozens of locations. We’ll get into the company’s yearslong troubles and why its unlimited shrimp deal isn’t entirely responsible for the chain’s downfall. Then, we’ll discuss the challenges of battling misinformation in today’s fractured media landscape. Plus, WNBA players are slaying designer looks and defying stereotypes of women in sports.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Tales From the Trenches of Red Lobster’s Endless Shrimp.” from Slate
“Why Red Lobster Filed for Bankruptcy: It Wasn’t the Endless Shrimp” from Eater
“As Red Lobster files for bankruptcy, changing tastes take a toll on its casual-dining competitors” from Marketplace
“Majority of Americans wrongly believe US is in recession – and most blame Biden” from The Guardian
“How Arizona is preparing for AI-powered election misinformation” from Marketplace
“The WNBA Has Teamed Up With High Fashion. It’s a Slam Dunk” from The Daily Beast
“General election latest: Rishi Sunak announces 4 July vote in Downing Street statement” from BBC
Video of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announcing general election from Oz Katerji on X

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Over the last 50 years, an ideology known as neoliberalism has transformed the American economy — for better or worse. The concept is often associated with Ronald Reagan, free markets and deregulation. But legal scholar Mehrsa Baradaran says there’s a lot we get wrong about the origins of neoliberalism and its true impact on society. On the show today, Baradaran, author of the new book “The Quiet Coup: Neoliberalism and the Looting of America,” explains what neoliberal ideology promised to do for the American economy, what it actually did and why she believes that looking to the free market might, ironically, be the only way forward.

Then, why actress Scarlett Johansson isn’t cool with OpenAI’s new chatbot. And we’ll hear the sounds of cicadas!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Opinion | The Neoliberal Looting of America” from The New York Times
“What is neoliberalism? A political scientist explains the use and evolution of the term” from The Conversation
“Opinion | Time is up for neoliberals” from The Washington Post
“Learning how to use AI could boost your pay by 25%, study finds” from CNN Business
“Scarlett Johansson says OpenAI chatbot voice ‘eerily similar’ to hers” from Reuters

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Today, we’re talking about the different efforts to invest in artificial intelligence. First up, guest host Lily Jamali breaks down Argentina’s endeavor to turn the country into an AI hub. Then, we’ll discuss the use of AI and deepfakes in India’s election in an attempt to reach voters. Later, we’ll smile about America’s first Black astronaut candidate finally taking a trip to space.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Argentina’s Milei Plans to Meet With Zuckerberg at End of May” from Bloomberg
“Indian Voters Are Being Bombarded With Millions of Deepfakes. Political Candidates Approve” from Wired
Marketplace’s Decoding Democracy election series
“Dirty Dancing, Back to the Future and E.T. Voted Best 80s Films: Poll Reveals Top 40 Movies From Big-Hair Days” from Good News Network
“Ed Dwight Goes to Space 63 Years After Training as 1st Black Astronaut” from The New York Times
“Can life exist on Europa, Jupiter’s moon?” from Marketplace

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Prices have been rising for pretty much everything these days. And for some, it’s raising the cost of making friends as more folks turn to paid activities like art classes and happy hours to socialize. We’ll get into it. And, we’ll explain the latest scandal that’s left the Supreme Court in a bind. Plus, we’ll weigh in on Chuck E. Cheese animatronics and bridesmaid debt during a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Supreme Court Justice Alito’s House Displayed a ‘Stop the Steal’ Flag After Jan. 6” from The New York Times
“Want to Make a New Friend? How Much Money Have You Got?” from The Wall Street Journal
“Watching the NFL This Season? You’ll Need at Least 5 Streaming Services” from How-To Geek
“Chuck E. Cheese saying goodbye to animatronic band” from CBS News
“The Bridesmaids Going Into Debt for Their Friends’ Weddings” from The Cut
“Mindy Kaling Shares Her Simple but Important Advice for The Office Spinoff’s New Cast: ‘I Was Not Professional'” from People
“The days of free refills may be over” from Marketplace
“It was a classic rap beef. Then Drake revived Tupac with AI and Congress got involved” from NPR

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Inflation isn’t going anywhere, and listeners wanna know what’s up with two of the government’s inflation measures. Today, we’re answering some nerdy econ questions about the consumer price index and personal consumption expenditures price index. We’ll also answer questions about how the Supreme Court gets funded and the ins and outs of joint fundraising committees.

Got a question you’d like us to answer? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice mail at 508-U-B-SMART!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “How does the government measure inflation?” from Brookings
- “Why the PCE is the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation” from Marketplace
- “What is the Core PCE price index?” from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
- “Courts, Programs, and Other Items Funded by Congressional Appropriations for the Federal Judiciary” from the Congressional Research Service
- “US judiciary set to receive modest spending boost from Congress” from Reuters
- “Judicial Compensation” from the Administrative Office of the United States Courts
- “Inside the Rent Inflation Measure That Economics Nerds Love to Hate” from The New York Times
- “A guide to political money: campaigns, PACs, super PACs” from Associated Press
- “Joint fundraising: A campaign strategy to increase contributions” from Marketplace
- “Fundraising for Super PACs by federal candidates” from the Federal Election Commission

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks and play a round of Half Full/Half Empty.

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Today, we’re diving into Bumble’s controversial anti-celibacy ad campaign, what it says about the state of dating apps and why some women are joining the anti-patriarchy movement. It’s time for a Kimberly rant. Plus, more updates on the Baltimore bridge collapse. Later, we’ll get queasy about cicadas and smiley about puppies!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Bumble’s billboard ads sneered at celibacy as an alternative to dating — and the company got stung” from The Associated Press
“The Controversy Around Bumble’s Anti-Celibacy Billboards” from The Cut
“Singles done with dating apps opt for speed-dating, matchmaking” from Marketplace
Apology from Bumble on Instagram
“What the 4B movement and boycotting men tells American women about where we are” from USA Today
Preliminary Report on Baltimore Bridge Collapse from The National Transportation Safety Board
“It’s on (for now): Biden and Trump agree to 2 debates” from Politico
“Cicadas Are Here in St. Louis, and Here’s What You Need to Know” from The Riverfront Times
“We tried to pet all 200 breeds at the Westminster dog show” from The Washington Post

We want to hear your cicada stories! Share them with us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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With the big push to unionize auto workers in the South, it looks like it might be another hot labor summer. And if you and your little ones have questions, this episode is for you! Today, we’re bringing you a special episode from Marketplace’s kids podcast, “Million Bazillion,” all about the history of labor unions, collective bargaining and how unions changed the way we work. Plus, how many hours a day should a person work? Kids have thoughts!

The next $50,000 in donations to Marketplace will be matched, thanks to a generous gift from Joe Rush in Florida. Give now and double your impact: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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A “third place” is where people hang out when they’re not at home or work, and they’re becoming increasingly important for building community and connection. Guest host Reema Khrais explains why we’re hearing a lot more about them these days and shares the story behind her own third place. But first, we’ll discuss the knock-on effects of falling birth rates across the globe, why some cities are lowering speed limits, and why we don’t recommend throwing darts at stock listings.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Suddenly There Aren’t Enough Babies. The Whole World Is Alarmed.” from The Wall Street Journal
“Why New York City is lowering its speed limit” from Vox
“Why accidents aren’t accidental” from The Gray Area with Sean Illing
“The Random Path to Stock-Market Riches” from The Wall Street Journal
“If you want to belong, find a third place” from Vox

We want to hear about your third place! Tell us about it at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

The next $50,000 in donations to Marketplace will be matched, thanks to a generous gift from Joe Rush in Florida. Give now and double your impact: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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The latest survey data from the University of Michigan shows consumer sentiment in the U.S. is at a six-month low. We’ll unpack the numbers and get into what they can and can’t tell us about what’s really going on in the economy. And, a plan to split up U.S. Cellular between T-Mobile and Verizon is in the works. It’s part of a larger fiasco brewing at the Federal Communications Commission. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full / Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Consumer Sentiment Index from the University of Michigan
“T-Mobile, Verizon in Talks to Carve Up U.S. Cellular” from The Wall Street Journal
“A solar storm could produce northern lights in US” from AP News
“Apple is revamping Siri with generative AI to catch up with chatbot competitors, report says” from Business Insider
“Millions more Americans travel to bird-watch. Texas businesses are cashing in.” from Marketplace
“McDonald’s Will Offer a $5 Meal Deal to Lure Customers Back Into Stores” from Yahoo Finance
“Bluey Is Back! Disney Announces Collection of New ‘Minisodes’ Are Coming Soon” from People

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Joint fundraising committees allow aligned political campaigns to raise more money faster. We’ll break down how these operations work and how they’re affecting the cost of elections. Then, guest host Sabri Ben-Achour explains why China’s electric vehicle industry may not be at “overcapacity,” as U.S. and European officials have argued. Plus, artists’ fears summed up in one controversial iPad Pro commercial.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Joint fundraising: A campaign strategy to increase contributions” from Marketplace
- “U.S., Europe vexed by China’s ‘overcapacity’ of clean-energy goods” from Marketplace
- “OpenAI’s Brad Lightcap on new content tool, copyright claims and AI outlook” from CNBC
- “OpenAI says it’s building a tool to let content creators ‘opt out’ of AI training” from TechCrunch
- “Watch Apple Trash-Compact Human Culture” from The Atlantic
- “Apple’s new iPad ad has struck a nerve online. Here’s why” from AP News

Shrinkflation tote bags, mini pencils, maybe even some KaiPA glasses — check out our May fundraiser thank-you gifts and make your donation to support our newsroom today: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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Increasingly popular buy now, pay later services allow shoppers to split their purchases into smaller, recurring payments. We’ll get into why these loans are blurring economists’ understanding of today’s consumer debt landscape. We’ll also discuss President Joe Biden’s climate and infrastructure spending spree, and the knock-on effects of parents dying from drug overdoses. Plus, singer Tyla’s sandy Met Gala look, and forgotten 100-year-old love letters make us smile.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “More than 320000 U.S. children lost a parent to drug overdose from 2011-2021” from Axios
- “Playbook: Biden’s race to Trump-proof his legacy” from Politico
- “Biden’s biggest challenge: How do you even spend $1.6 trillion?” from Politico
- “‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Has Americans Racking Up Phantom Debt” from Bloomberg
- “Video: See moment Tyla is carried up Met Gala steps” from CNN
- “Tyla’s sand-covered Met Gala 2024 gown was chopped in half after the red carpet” from Page Six
- “When to use buy now, pay later services” from Marketplace
- “Hidden love letters spark historical mystery in Baltimore” from The Baltimore Banner

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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College endowment funds are at the center of student protester’s calls for their schools to divest from Israel. Charlie Eaton, a sociology professor at the University of California, Merced, and author of “Bankers in the Ivory Tower,” said the size of these funds have created a moral dilemma for the wealthiest universities. On the show today, Eaton explains how college endowments work, why most universities don’t disclose how those funds are invested, and how colleges could manage their endowments to better align with their values.

Then, we’ll check-in on the youths. And, Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop, the puppet, answer the Make Me Smart question. Plus, a tribute to Jasper.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “University endowments show few signs of direct Israel, defense holdings” from The Washington Post
- “If the divestment movement succeeds, will it have an economic impact?” from Marketplace
- “Gaza protests: Divestment from Israel becomes focus of student demands” from The Washington Post
- “Students protest Gaza war: The history of divestment protests” from Marketplace
- “Top companies are on students’ divest list. But does it really work?” from NPR
- “Gen Z Sinks Deeper Into Debt” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Abortion bans drive away up to half of young talent, new CNBC/Generation Lab youth survey finds” from CNBC
- “Businesses are speaking out against anti-LGBTQ laws” from Marketplace

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Private equity plays a major role in lots of sectors across the U.S. economy, and now it’s getting into the veterinary business. Today, Kimberly discusses the rise of these big outside investors in pet care and the financial and emotional decisions we make in caring for our beloved pets. Plus, we bid Jasper goodbye. But first, Amy breaks down a pair of cases involving the popular housing site Redfin and what they mean for how homes are bought and sold.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Redfin to pay $9.25M to settle commission lawsuits” from Inman
“Redfin settles commission lawsuits for $9.25 million” from HousingWire
“When Buying a Home Is Treated as a National Security Threat” from The New York Times
“Vets fret as private equity snaps up clinics, pet care companies” from Stateline
“Why Your Vet Bill Is So High” from The Atlantic
“Workday Has Become the Most-Hated Workplace, Business Software” from Business Insider

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Southern European economies, including Greece, are growing faster than some of Europe’s longtime powerhouses, like Germany. We’ll get into how Greece pulled off an economic turnaround after the devastating 2012 financial crisis. And, Halle Berry’s shouts from the steps of the Capitol are calling attention to the need for more menopause research. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full / Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Europe’s Economic Laggards Have Become Its Leaders” from The New York Times
- “Halle Berry shouts from the Capitol, ‘I’m in menopause’ as she seeks to end a stigma and win funding” from AP News
- “Dave & Buster’s to let adult customers bet on arcade games” from Marketplace
- “As work communication migrates to mobile devices, desk phones hang up for good” from Marketplace
- “Pop-up coworking events are uniting lonely workers” from Marketplace
- “The conspiracy theory behind Florida’s lab-grown meat ban” from The Verge
- “Unfrosted Review: Jerry Seinfeld’s Pop-Tarts Comedy Is Painfully Stale” from IndieWire

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“Spotting tech-driven disinformation isn’t getting easier” from Marketplace

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks and play a round of Half Full/Half Empty.

It’s time to rewind and revisit some of the big business stories of the week. First up, stagflation. Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell isn’t seeing signs of it, and neither is Kai Ryssdal. We’ll explain why. Plus, what Walmart’s decision to shut down all of its health clinics says about the U.S. health care system. Also, we’ll break down the latest efforts to restructure the American economy through the CHIPS Act. And, a singer’s plea to protect artists from AI-generated deepfakes.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Fed Holds Rates Steady, Noting Lack of Progress on Inflation” from The New York Times
- “GDP growth slowed to a 1.6% rate in the first quarter, well below expectations” from CNBC
- “Walmart to close its 51 health centers and virtual care service” from Associated Press
- “Walmart shuttering health units, including telehealth and 51 clinics” from Yahoo Finance
- “Walmart Health Is Closing” from Walmart
- “Breaking Ground: A visit to the “Silicon Desert” from Marketplace
- ”Senate Hearing on Digital Replicas and Artificial Intelligence Concerns” from C-SPAN
- “FKA Twigs Reveals She Developed Her Own Deepfake in Congressional Testimony on AI Regulation With Warner Music CEO” from Variety
“Spotting tech-driven disinformation isn’t getting easier” from Marketplace

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks and play a round of Half Full/Half Empty.

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With the presidential election less than six months away, election workers are raising concerns about their safety. We’ll get into the rising threats to election offices and how that might affect staffing ahead of November. Also, how Tesla’s disbanding of its Supercharger team could impact the Biden’s administration push to expand electric vehicle use. Plus, how a pest control professional saved a baseball game from a swarm of bees.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Nearly Two-Thirds Of Election Officials Worry Politicians Will Interfere With Their Work: Poll” from HuffPost
“Local Election Officials Survey” from the Brennan Center for Justice
“They staffed the Jan. 6 committee. Threats still follow them” from Roll Call
“Musk Undercuts Tesla Chargers That Biden Lauded as ‘a Big Deal’” from Bloomberg
“Pest control ace clears Dodgers-Diamondbacks bee swarm, throws first pitch” from United Press International

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Today we’re talking about the trade deficit at the request of some of our curious listeners. Since the mid-’70s, the U.S. has persistently been importing more goods than it exports. Is that such a bad thing? We’ll hear from Eswar Prasad, professor of trade policy at Cornell University and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, about why the U.S. has a trade deficit, whether it’s a good or bad thing, and why a country’s overall trade deficit matters more than deficits with specific countries.

Then, we’ll get into how online political donations are fueling election campaigns this year. Plus, the malleable idea of “old age” and the wonders of happy sheep in a solar field.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Trade deficits aren’t good or bad, just weird” from Marketplace
- “The U.S. Trade Deficit: How Much Does It Matter?” from the Council on Foreign Relations
- Historical U.S. Trade Deficits from the St. Louis Fed
- “Chinese Exports Are Threatening Biden’s Industrial Agenda” from The New York Times
- “Trump promised to rebalance trade in North America. The US trade deficit keeps climbing.” from Politico
- “How online donations are fueling the election” from Politico
- Polling in 2024 from Reuters
- Opinion | “What Departing Lawmakers Think About Congress” from The New York Times
- “Young US adults reach key milestones later in life than in the past like marriage, full-time job, financial independence” from Pew Research Center

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Nope. It’s not just your imagination. The Biden administration has been on a roll to finalize several regulations — from changes at nursing homes and updates to Title IX to health care protections for transgender people. Kimberly explains what’s really behind the mad dash. Also, Kai is back with a reminder: Don’t sleep on the foreign exchange market, folks! And we’ll smile about the tales of two cats.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Biden administration strengthens health care protections for LGBTQ+ Americans” from The 19th News
“Congressional Review Act Threat Looms Over Biden Administration Rulemakings” from Inside Privacy
“A Strong U.S. Dollar Weighs on the World”from The New York Times
“Japan Intervenes After Yen Slides Against the Dollar” from The Wall Street Journal
“Nebraska’s “Capitol Cat” brings paw-sitivity to politics” from USA Today
“Stowaway Cat Gets From Utah to California in Amazon Returns Package” from The New York Times

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Protests over Israel’s war in Gaza have erupted at universities across the United States. We’ll discuss what the sweeping protests and other high-profile political battles at colleges could mean for the economics of higher education. And, what the Federal Reserve might look like under a second Donald Trump presidency. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full / Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Protests Threaten College Graduations, Denying Seniors Second Chance at Normalcy” from The New York Times
- “What students say about the protests rocking their campuses” from The Washington Post
- “Americans are falling out of love with the idea of college” from Noahpinion
- “Americans Are Losing Faith in College Education, WSJ-NORC Poll Finds” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Trump Allies Draw Up Plans to Blunt Fed’s Independence” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Job trend ‘resenteeism’ has employees coasting through workdays and hanging on, rather than quitting” from Fox Business
- “How science could disrupt the gin industry” from Marketplace
- “Celebs head to DC for correspondents’ dinner: Here’s who’s coming” from The Hill
- “California lawmakers are tired of Clear’s airport line-cutters — but airlines are not” from Fast Company
- “Christopher Bess, 5-year-old basketball coach, goes viral” from Marketplace

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- “Boeing failures are a case study of America’s manufacturing “dark age” from Marketplace
- “How science could disrupt the gin industry” from Marketplace

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks and play a round of Half Full/Half Empty.

It was a big week for tech earnings calls. Guest host Nova Safo unpacks how they went down for Tesla and Meta, and why the stock market reacted so differently to what their CEOs had to say. Plus, what Boeing’s troubles say about the state of U.S. manufacturing. And, would you try an AI-generated gin cocktail?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- Tesla, Inc. Q1 2024 Financial Results and Q&A Webcast
- “Elon Musk Would Like to Talk About AI” from Heatmap News
- Meta Q1’24 Earnings Presentation
- “Boeing failures are a case study of America’s manufacturing “dark age” from Marketplace
- “How science could disrupt the gin industry” from Marketplace

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks and play a round of Half Full/Half Empty.

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Today, we’re talking about two different kinds of bans. As expected, President Joe Biden signed the TikTok sell-or-ban bill. But first, guest host Meghan McCarty Carino breaks down the Federal Trade Commission’s decision to ban noncompete agreements and their impact on workers and innovation. Plus, we’ll smile about Emily Dickinson and her newfound love of exclamation points!!! And how “old” is “old”?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Business Groups Race to Block FTC’s Ban on Noncompete Agreements” from The Wall Street Journal
“FTC Bans Noncompete Agreements That Restrict Job Switching” from The Wall Street Journal
“Did California’s Noncompete Ban Fuel Silicon Valley Innovation?” from Bloomberg Law
“Banning Noncompetes Is Good for Innovation” from Harvard Business Review
“TikTok may be banned in the US. Here’s what happened when India did it” from The Associated Press
“U.S. Approves Sale of Dating App Whose Owners Were Probed by National Security Officials” from The Wall Street Journal
“Grindr sold by Chinese owner after US raised national security concerns” from TechCrunch
“People think ‘old age’ starts later than it used to, study finds” from the American Psychological Association
“Eternity Only Will Answer” from Poetry Foundation

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Several American dollar store chains have been down bad these days. Dollar Tree, Family Dollar and 99 Cents Only have all recently announced store closures. On the other hand, Dollar General is poised to expand. This has us wondering: What’s going on with the dollar store business model? Has today’s inflationary economy broken it? On the show today, Sandro Steinbach, professor of agribusiness and applied economics at North Dakota State University, explains the economics behind dollar stores, how they keep prices so low, and the impact they have on different communities.

Then, we’ll discuss privacy risks while using popular dating apps. And, what the Australian kids’ show “Bluey” can teach us about the economy.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- Video: “How can dollar stores still sell things for a dollar?” from Marketplace
- “Why are discounters like 99 Cents Only Stores in dire straits?” from Marketplace
- “Here’s How Dollar General Keeps Its Prices at Rock-Bottom” from Business Insider
- “The Dollar-Store Showdown Comes Down to Real Estate” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Dollar store expansion and independent grocery retailer contraction” from Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy
- “The American dollar store has fallen on hard times” from CNBC
- “Dating apps are collecting more of your information than you think” from The Washington Post
- “Justice Department Reaches Civil Settlement with Hundreds of Victims Abused by Lawrence Nassar” from the Department of Justice
- “Justice Department settles with Larry Nassar victims for $138.7 million” from The Washington Post
- “Historical U.S. Trade Deficits” from The St. Louis Fed

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Today, the Biden administration announced plans to implement strict staffing requirements at nursing homes. Kimberly Adams unpacks what this rule may mean for care and the nursing home business model. Plus, guest host Nova Safo returns to discuss the United Auto Workers’ historic victory in the South and the latest troubles at Tesla. And, high-speed rail is finally coming to the U.S.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“UAW wins big in historic union vote at Volkswagen Tennessee factory” from Reuters
“Tesla shares tumble on price cuts in run-up to earnings” from Reuters
“Biden administration finalizes controversial minimum staffing mandate at nursing homes” from CNN
“Nursing homes must hit minimum staffing levels under new federal rule” from The Hill
“Long Term Care Insurance Costs by State and Region” from New York Life
“How much does long-term care insurance cost?” from CBS News
“I’m 68 and My Long-Term Care Insurance Now Costs $600 Per Month. Is This Too Much?” from Yahoo Finance
“Nine practices from Native American culture that could help the environment” from The Washington Post
“From Sin City to the City of Angels, building starts on high-speed rail line” from The Associated Press

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The Joe Biden administration announced highly anticipated updates to Title IX. The new rule expands protections for LGBTQ+ students and sexual assault survivors. But it stops short of addressing the rights of trans athletes. Then, we’ll get into the outrageous hoops rich people jump through to get out of paying state taxes. Plus, we’ll weigh in on swapping seats on airplanes and more in a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “How to Avoid State Taxes? New York Rich Use Private Jets” from Bloomberg
- “New Title IX rules protect LGBTQ+ students, avoids trans athletes” from AP News
- “New Title IX rules offer ‘comprehensive coverage’ for LGBTQ+ students and sexual violence survivors” from The 19th
- “As drive-thrus get bigger, some cities aren’t lovin’ it” from Marketplace
- “Make robots like Boston Dynamics’ new Atlas hairy” from The Verge
- “Washington, D.C., is a test case for phasing out the tipped minimum wage” from Marketplace
- “Pringles Crocs: New shoes, ankle holster and crisp flavor unveiled” from Axios
- “The Four Most Divisive Words on a Flight: Will You Swap Seats?” from from The Wall Street Journal

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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The Biden administration is aiming to triple tariffs on Chinese steel to protect U.S. manufacturers. Sound familiar? We’ll explain who is actually paying the price and what raising tariffs would mean for U.S. workers. We’ll also get into why economic data doesn’t always translate into how voters view the economy, especially in an election year. And, what the buzz over the popular animated series “Bluey” is all about.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“President Biden Gives Remarks on Labor Unions and Manufacturing Jobs in Pittsburgh” from C-SPAN
“Biden vows to shield US steel industry by blocking Japanese merger and seeking new Chinese tariffs” from The Associated Press
“Once again: Who pays for tariffs on Chinese steel?” from Marketplace
“Fed Chair Powell delivers remarks at the Washington Forum on the Canadian economy” from CNBC
“Fed Chair Jerome Powell Dials Back Expectations on Interest-Rate Cuts” from The Wall Street Journal
“It’s getting harder to predict the economy’s effect on presidential elections” from Marketplace
“Caitlin Clark Selected No. 1 Overall by the Indiana Fever” from ESPN
“Wait, Caitlin Clark Is Only Getting Paid $76,000?” from The Wall Street Journal
“Hall of Fame college coach Dawn Staley Reflects on the state of women’s basketball.” from NPR
“Political advertisers worry about reaching sports fans streaming their games” from Marketplace
Bluey “The Sign” Official Trailer
“The Non-Parents’ Guide to Bluey” from Vulture
“Is “Bluey” ending? “The Sign” explained — and the show’s future.” from Vox

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, and play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

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A union election at Volkswagen is testing the power of the United Auto Workers. As voting gets underway this week, guest host Nova Safo explains what unionization could mean for three big automakers and the labor movement in the South. Plus, how a unanimous Supreme Court ruling expands the scope of workplace bias suits. And, why Billy Joel came up at a Pentagon press briefing.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The South has few unionized auto plants. Workers say this one could be next.” from The Washington Post
“Supreme Court makes it easier to sue for job discrimination over forced transfers” from The Associated Press
“Hugh Grant says he took ‘enormous sum’ to settle suit alleging illegal snooping by The Sun tabloid” from The Associated Press
“Conservative Broadcaster OAN Settles Defamation Claims by Voting-Machine Company Smartmatic” from The Wall Street Journal
Pentagon press conference moment from Travis Akers on X
Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” (Official HD Video)

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There’s been a lot of debate lately about the potential effects of smartphones and social media on young people’s mental health. Some states like states like Florida and Utah have even tried to ban kids from using social media apps until they reach a certain age. But Mikey Jensen, professor of clinical psychology and director of the Interactions and Relationships Lab at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, said outright bans could do more harm than good.

On the show today: How smartphones and social media are reshaping our lives. And why we should focus on the quality of kids’ online time instead of the amount of it.

Then, we’ll get into the cost of a major ransomware attack for a health care company and its clients. And, the mini pencil economy and what a history professor got wrong about ancient Rome.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “The great rewiring: is social media really behind an epidemic of teenage mental illness?” from Nature
- “The Phone in the Room” from The New York Times
- “I Asked 65 Teens How They Feel About Being Online” from The Cut
- “What the evidence really says about social media’s impact on teens’ mental health” from Vox
- “UnitedHealth to take up to $1.6 billion hit this year from Change hack” from Reuters
- “Change Healthcare stolen patient data leaked by ransomware gang” from TechCrunch
- “IMF Steps Up Its Warning to US Over Spending and Ballooning Debt” from Bloomberg

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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It’s Tax Day! Millions of Americans have already filed their 2023 returns, but today we’re talking about tax protesters and the moral and ethical reasons some refuse to file their taxes or pay what they owe. Plus, the “no landing” scenario has entered the chat. And, what are we getting wrong about the cosmos?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Taxes are due even if you object to government policies or doubt the validity of the 16th Amendment’s ratification” from The Conversation
- “Taxes 2024: I stopped paying taxes a decade ago. The results shocked me.” from Slate
- “‘The 401(k) industry owns Congress’: How lawmakers quietly passed a $300 billion windfall to the wealthy” from Politico
- “Fed Hiking Rates to 6.5% Is ‘Real Risk’ for UBS Strategists” from Bloomberg
- “March retail sales data show the American consumer is still pretty strong” from Axios
- “World’s top cosmologists convene to question conventional view of the universe” from The Guardian

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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It’s hard to get around without a car these days. But in the last couple of years, owning one has become very expensive. We’ll explain the deceptive practices happening in the auto lending market. And, we’ll explain how Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s power in the Democratic Party was demonstrated by a campaign contribution. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty and weigh in on “dumbphones” and adult gap years.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Ocasio-Cortez Never Steered Money to a Key Arm of Her Party. Until Now.” from The New York Times
- “The rise of the scammy car loan” from Vox
- “Decades later, Bonnie Tyler still finds new fans for her hit song every total eclipse” from CBC Radio
- “Tech is supercharging pre-employment personality tests” from Marketplace
- “The Dumbphone Boom Is Real” from The New Yorker
- “Broadband ‘nutrition labels’ help you comparison shop for cable” from Marketplace
- “Brands in Space: What’s behind the rush to advertise in the final frontier?” from Marketplace
- “‘Companies are starting to realize burnout is an issue’: Meet the lucky workers taking sabbaticals and ‘adult gap years’ to recharge” from Fortune

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Today, we’re discussing the bond market’s big reaction to the latest inflation news and why you shouldn’t worry about it. Plus, a new Boeing whistleblower comes forward, and Beyoncé calls out the home insurance industry.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Bonds are talking to us after inflation gauge comes in above forecasts” from Marketplace
- “US consumer prices heat up in March; seen delaying Fed rate cut” from Reuters
- “$6.6 billion TSMC deal in Arizona the latest in the CHIPS Act’s rollout” from Marketplace
- “TSMC: Biden to give Taiwanese company $6.6 billion to ramp up US chip production” from CNN
- “Biden administration bets an old plant can make new chips” from Marketplace
- “‘Benefit of the doubt running thin with Boeing’: Capt. Dennis Tajer on whistleblower claims” from CNBC
- “Boeing whistleblower says the Dreamliner 787 could ‘break apart’ because of safety flaws, report says” from NBC
- Beyoncé’s YA YA (Clean Version)
- Video breaking down Beyoncé’s “YA YA” from Daryl Fairweather on X

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 3:30 p.m. Eastern time. We’ll have news, drink, and play a round of Half Full/Half Empty.

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Inflation is coming in hot! Today’s consumer price index shows prices kept rising in March. Kai Ryssdal explains the one thing everybody should be doing right about now in addition to taking a deep breath! Plus, the rising cost of insurance — from homeowners coverage to life insurance — and what companies are doing to dump customers. Also, hear a whale talk to a scientist.

Here’s everything we talk about today:

- “Hot Inflation Report Derails Case for Fed’s June Rate Cut” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Insurers Are Spying on Your Home From the Sky” from The Wall Street Journal
- “The Soaring Cost of Homeowners Insurance” from Comstock’s Magazine
- “MassMutual is rolling out free genetic testing for members, a dicey area for life insurers” from STAT+
- “The scientists learning to speak whale” from BBC
- Solar Grazing Resources from the American Solar Grazing Association

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There’s a lot of buzz about a slowdown in the electric vehicle market. EV sales, while still growing, are not accelerating at the pace of just a few years ago. At the same time, EV makers from Tesla to General Motors and Ford are pushing back EV plans. So, what gives? On the show today, Robinson Meyer of Heatmap explains what’s really happening with the U.S. EV market, what it’s going to take to rev it back up, competition from China and whether moves by the Biden administration will be enough to help domestic EV producers pull ahead.

Then, can robots make the meatpacking industry safer? Plus, in celebration of Monday’s solar eclipse, a planetary scientist answers the Make Me Smart question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “What happened to EVs?” from Business Insider
- “Opinion | China’s Electric Vehicles Are Going to Hit Detroit Like a Wrecking Ball” from The New York Times
- “The key to growing EV adoption is cars with lower sticker prices. They may be on their way.” from Marketplace
- “Here Comes the Flood of Plug-In Hybrids” from Wired
- “How Americans view electric vehicles” from Pew Research
- “Tesla’s Sales Drop, a Sign That Its Grip on the E.V. Market Is Slipping” from The New York Times
- “The U.S. Urgently Needs a Bigger Grid. Here’s a Fast Solution.” from The New York Times
- “Meet the Robots Slicing Your Barbecue Ribs” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Dogs can understand the meaning of nouns, new research finds” from The Guardian

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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The Biden administration is in a mad dash to address student debt relief ahead of the presidential election. A new plan could benefit tens of millions of Americans. We’ll explain. Plus, a Kai rant about a CEO who gets too much attention. And, there seems to be a market for everything! We’ll tell you about a new fad involving kids and mini pencils.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Biden announces new student debt relief plan for millions of borrowers” from The Hill
- “Biden seeks student debt relief for millions” from NPR
- “Jamie Dimon Warns U.S. Might Face Interest-Rate Spike” from The Wall Street Journal
- “2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Through the Eyes of NASA” from NASA
- “Hot Market for Pencils Help Kids Turn Lead Into Gold” from The Wall Street Journal

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Today, we’re talking earthquakes! First, our East Coast-based hosts react to the shaking on their side of the country. Then, we’ll examine how earthquake preparedness in Taiwan saved lives and prevented a big problem for the global tech economy. Later, we’ll weigh in on restoring blue check marks on X, New York earthquake memes and solar eclipse tourism in a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness saved a lot of lives — and prevented a catastrophe for the global tech economy” from Vox
- “It’s not just you. Here’s why pollen allergies are worse than ever” from CNN
- “FDA to Drop Ban on Sperm Donations From Gay and Bisexual Men” from The Wall Street Journal
- “America has a Black sperm donor shortage. Black women are paying the price.” from The Washington Post
- “Elon Musk’s X restores free blue check marks. Here’s what it means.” from The Washington Post
- “Why demand for jeans persists across the decades” from Marketplace
- “Why multigenerational households are making a comeback in a big way” from Marketplace
- “X becomes ‘earthquake Twitter’ as users flood site with memes and jokes” from NBC News
- “How much are you spending for the eclipse? Here’s what Americans are saying” from Fox 10 Phoenix
- “Countdown to the total solar eclipse: How it will unfold, play by play” from The Washington Post

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Today, we’re picking guest host Amy Scott’s brain about two major news stories: the Baltimore bridge collapse and the recent Realtors settlement. We have lots of questions for the Baltimore resident and senior Marketplace correspondent covering all things housing! Plus, we’ll celebrate an American teen who made figure skating history.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Key Bridge disaster slows or stops Baltimore port jobs” from Marketplace
- “Maryland legislators hope to help port workers and others affected by the bridge collapse” from Marketplace
- “Lina Khan – FTC Chair on Amazon Antitrust Lawsuit & AI Oversight” from “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”
- “Jon Stewart claims Apple wouldn’t let him interview FTC chair on his podcast” from Axios
- “The U.S. sues Apple, saying it abuses its power to monopolize the smartphone market” from NPR
- “The Realtors settlement could change how agents work with homebuyers” from Marketplace
- “Teenager Ilia Malinin lands a record SIX quads to capture world figure skating title” from NBC Sports
- “Ilia Malinin wins first world figure skating title with historic six quadruple jumps” from NBC Sports

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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General Electric is breaking up! The megacorporation is splintering off into three separate companies. We’ll get into what that means for one of America’s biggest industrial conglomerates. Also, guest host Amy Scott joins us to discuss the dangers of humanitarian work in times of war. And dynamic pricing is coming for checked luggage. We’ll get smart (and angry!) about airline baggage fees.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “José Andrés: Let People Eat” from The New York Times
- “Israel-Hamas war: Aid group halts delivery in Gaza after Israeli strike” from The Associated Press
- “How José Andrés and World Central Kitchen Became Leaders in Disaster Aid” from The New York Times
- “We Feed People” documentary from National Geographic
- “With GE’s split, the last chapter of the Jack Welch era is over” from Axios
- “JetBlue’s new checked bag fees now depend on the day” from CNN
- “Why do airlines charge so much for checked bags? This obscure rule helps explain why” from The Conversation
- “For families that need the most help, child care costs are about to drop” from The 19th
- “Column: Disneyland is ditching gas cars at Autopia. It’s a great first step for Tomorrowland” from the Los Angeles Times

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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It’s spring break for a lot of you. So, today we’re taking you on a little road trip (sort of) to the Southwest. Water is running really low there. As part of the latest season of “How We Survive,” Marketplace’s climate solutions podcast, host Amy Scott traveled across the region to dig into the water tech solutions that are helping communities adapt. So buckle up and get ready to get smart about the water crisis in the West.

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Starting today, many fast-food workers in California will be paid $20 an hour under a new minimum-wage law. It’s time for a Kimberly rant! We’ll get into the subsidization of low-wage work, the reals costs behind all the stuff we buy — from burgers to clothes — and who’s picking up the tab. Plus, guest host Reema Khrais reminisces about the early years of Google as the company celebrates 20 years of Gmail.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Fast fashion retailer Shein doubles profits as it awaits IPO approval” from The Guardian
- “California’s Fast-Food Workers Just Got a Pay Bump” from The New York Times
- “California’s Crazy ‘Fast Food’ Minimum Wage Takes Effect” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Your hair looks gorgeous. It cost … what?!” from The Washington Post
- “Hey, Gen X, Z and millennials: the great wealth transfer could go to health care, not you” from USA Today
- “Ancient giant dolphin discovered in the Amazon” from CNN
- “Gmail revolutionized email 20 years ago. People thought it was Google’s April Fools’ Day joke” from The Associated Press

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Carmakers are keeping a close eye on the steel industry. A bidding war over U.S. Steel, an iconic American manufacturer, is brewing, and car companies are concerned about antitrust issues and what that could mean for the auto business. We’ll get into it and explain our new theory about why the economy feels so precarious at the moment. Plus, we’ll weigh in on side hustles, raising the retirement age and Beyonce’s rendition of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” in a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Automakers urge White House to oppose US Steel sale to Cleveland-Cliffs” from Reuters
- “Powell says Fed wants to see ‘more good inflation readings’ before it can cut rates” from AP News
- “Fed chair: Focusing solely on inflation is “no longer appropriate'” from Marketplace
- “Biology is not as hierarchical as most textbooks paint it” from Aeon
- “Dolly Loves Beyoncé: The Country Legend Is Wowed By The Fiercely Revised ‘Jolene'” from Deadline
- “LinkedIn moves in on TikTok’s turf with video option” from Axios
- “Owning a vending machine is an emerging side hustle” from Marketplace
- “Krispy Kreme doughnuts are coming to McDonald’s” from The Washington Post
- “Should the U.S. raise the retirement age?” from Marketplace

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Even though the economy is going strong, many Americans are still pessimistic about it. We’ll get into how feelings and beliefs about the economy are playing into the 2024 presidential election. Plus, guest host Matt Levin joins us to discuss the latest AI news, including a new state law — known as the ELVIS Act — focused on protecting artists’ voices. And he’ll explain why he has the song “Barbie Girl” (Johnny Cash’s version) stuck in his head.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Bush Campaign Rally” from C-SPAN
- “The Media’s Role in Forming Voters’ National Economic Evaluations in 1992” from the American Journal of Political Science
- “Should politicians know the price of a pint of milk?” from BBC News
- “The Primary Problem” from Unite America
- “Johnny Cash Covers Aqua Girl’s ‘Barbie Girl’ Using AI” from Business Insider
- “New Tennessee law aims to protect musicians from generative AI” from Marketplace
- “An early look our AI Music experiment” from YouTube Blog
- “First stop on the road to regulating AI? Finding humans to do the job.” from Marketplace
- “Every US federal agency must hire a chief AI officer” from The Verge

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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In corporate America, struggling companies often pull a classic move: They promote women to lead them through a crisis. Boeing did just that. We’ll talk about the new boss at Boeing and how the “glass cliff” phenomenon impacts women and people of color moving up the corporate ladder. Also in this episode, a Kai rant about Truth Social and the greater fool theory, why dogs might be even smarter than we think, and is “bazoodaful” a new Kai word?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- Trump’s Truth Social stock from CNN
- The greater fool theory from Investopedia
- “Boeing just pulled a classic corporate America move and promoted a woman to clean up its mess” from Business Insider
- “Dogs can understand the meaning of nouns, new research finds” from The Guardian
- “Dogs can understand words for specific objects” from BBC

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Today we’re talking about a key voting bloc in this year’s elections: white evangelical Christian voters. In 2016 and 2020, they helped Donald Trump rise to power. NPR’s Sarah McCammon, author of “Exvangelicals,” discusses why evangelicals continue to back Trump, her personal journey leaving evangelicalism and the economic systems built around the evangelical movement.

We’ll also talk about the Maryland bridge collapse and the state of U.S. infrastructure. Plus, Neil King Jr., author of the memoir “American Ramble,” answers the Make Me Smart question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “‘You gotta be tough’: White evangelicals remain enthusiastic about Donald Trump” from NPR
- “How younger voters will impact elections: What is happening to the white evangelical vote?” from Brookings
- “Why White Evangelicals Stuck with Trump” from the University of Chicago Divinity School
- “Latinos Will Determine the Future of American Evangelicalism” from The Atlantic
- “Bridge Collapse in Baltimore Puts an Election Year Spotlight on Infrastructure” from The New York Times
- “Elon Musk’s Starlink Terminals Are Falling Into the Wrong Hands” from Bloomberg

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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This week, the Supreme Court will hear its first major abortion case since the Dobbs decision. We’ll get into how the use of abortion pills has changed post-Roe and the possible revival of a 150-year-old anti-obscenity law. Plus, an update on the efforts to limit judge shopping. And, the story of a woman who completed an extreme running race.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Biden’s Trustbuster Draws Unlikely Fans: ‘Khanservative’ Republicans” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Showdown in Cowtown” from Politico’s Morning Money
- “Where a Suit Can Proceed: Court Selection and Forum Shopping” from the Congressional Research Service
- “Use of Abortion Pills Has Risen Significantly Post Roe, Research Shows” from The New York Times
- “What is the Comstock Act?” from The 19th
- “Optimist Pollster Finds Americans Are Far More Alike Than Different, With Shared Values Bridging Political Divides” from Good News Network
- “Jasmin Paris Is First Woman to Finish Barkley Marathons” from The New York Times

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Since the Congressional Budget Office last released its long-term outlook for the federal deficit and strength of the U.S. economy, things have become a teeny bit better. Why? The CBO points to increased immigration and last year’s spending deal struck between Congress and President Joe Biden. And, we’ll get into the looming commercial real-estate reckoning. Plus, we’ll weigh in on tote bags, Free Blockbuster libraries and more in a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“PRP Pays $323M For Market Square, D.C.’s Largest Sale In 18 Months” from Bisnow
“Budget Office report credits immigration and spending deals with improved outlook despite huge debt” from AP News
“The Long-Term Budget Outlook: 2024 to 2054” from the CBO
“How the tote bag became the hottest fashion accessory around” from Marketplace
“Tired of Streaming? Free Blockbuster Libraries Offer an Alternative.” from The New York Times
“Encyclopædia Britannica is eyeing a $1 billion valuation in its IPO, report says” from Quartz
“I Pizza A | Voodoo Ranger” from Voodoo Ranger
“Walmart Is Luring Wealthy Shoppers With Blazers and Duck Breast” from Bloomberg

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Congress is once again in a race against the clock to pass a gargantuan federal spending bill to keep the government up and running past Saturday. We’ll get into it. And, the Joe Biden administration made a groundbreaking investment in Intel’s chip manufacturing business in an effort to spur the domestic semiconductor industry. Plus, Nvidia’s next generation AI chips and Caitlin Clark’s place in the booming world of women’s sports.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Nvidia reveals Blackwell B200 GPU, the ‘world’s most powerful chip’ for AI” from The Verge
- “CHIPS Act to give Intel $8.5 billion in direct funding, plus loans” from Marketplace
- “For Women’s Basketball, Caitlin Clark’s Lasting Impact May Be Economic” from The New York Times
- “NCAA women’s basketball success is about more than Caitlin Clark” from Marketplace

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Our happiness is slipping. According to Gallup, the U.S. has dropped out of the cohort of 20 happiest countries. What gives? Guest host Matt Levin joins Kimberly Adams to discuss some of the possible economic explanations. Plus, the Joe Biden administration’s efforts to expand women’s health research, and menopause might need more looking into. And, our growing obsession with houseplants.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “What’s the Happiest Country on Earth?” from Gallup
- “The U.S. is falling in global happiness and this time it’s young people’s fault” from Quartz
- “Biden just signed the largest executive order focused on women’s health” from The 19th
- “Bayer to seek approval for menopausal relief drug after third trial win” from Reuters
- “Is menopause getting worse? Scientists say it is.” from The Washington Post
- “Parkinson’s Disease Can Now Be Detected Through the Skin” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Gardening bloomed during the pandemic. Garden centers hope would-be green thumbs stay interested” from The Associated Press

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Today, we’re bringing you a special series from “Marketplace Morning Report” that explores how communities are impacted by the absence of local news coverage, especially in a big election year. As part of the “Democracy in the Desert” series, host David Brancaccio travels to “news deserts” in Texas, North Carolina and Virginia to learn how various business models are struggling to inform voters, and where newspaper economics went wrong.

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Five months into the Israel-Hamas war, the United Nations is warning of “imminent famine” in northern Gaza. Guest host Samantha Fields discusses the challenge of getting food aid delivered to the region. Plus, the nation’s largest employer is considering pay transparency laws. Then, we’ll smile about cherry blossoms and the upcoming solar eclipse.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “UN says famine is ‘imminent’ in northern Gaza as Israel launches another raid on main hospital” from The Associated Press
- “The first ship to use a new sea route delivers aid to Gaza, Israeli military says” from The Associated Press
- Data on Gaza Strip Acute Food Insecurity from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification
- “Senators Urge Biden to Stop Arming Israel, Citing Violation of U.S. Aid Law” from The New York Times
- Acquisition Regulation: Pay Equity and Transparency in Federal Contracting
- A Snapshot of Government-wide Contracting for FY 2021 from the U.S. Government Accountability Office
- “What Constituent Correspondence Reveals About Voter Sentiment” from FiscalNote
- 2024 National Eclipse Maps
- “Commentary: Eclipsenomics: April’s solar eclipse will be the most profitable 22 minutes in Texas history” from San Antonio Express-News
- BloomCam from the Trust for the National Mall
- Live: Iconic cherry trees begin to blossom in Washington D.C. from The Associated Press

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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On today’s edition of Economics on Tap, we’ll get into some news while celebrating cherry blossom season in Washington, D.C. The National Association of Realtors agreed to settle a slew of lawsuits and change its rules on commissions. We’ll discuss how the fallout could impact the way we buy and sell homes in the United States. And, an usual political money phenomenon is the hot new thing in political strategy. Plus, we’ll play a blossom-themed round of This or That!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Kushner Developing Deals Overseas Even as His Father-in-Law Runs for President” from The New York Times
- “Boeing Tells Airlines to Check 787 Cockpit Seats After Mishap on Latam Flight” from The Wall Street Journal
- “An Obscure Group Hounded Kyrsten Sinema for Years — and It Worked. Is This a Sign of Things to Come?” from Politico
- “National Association of Realtors Agrees to Slash Commissions to Settle Lawsuits” from The New York Times
- “What the National Association of Realtors’ settlement means” from NBC News
- “Our TikTok Peeps diorama contest winners for 2023” from The Washington Post

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Reddit, a somewhat untamed fixture of the internet, is launching an initial public offering of its shares. We’ll get into why the company’s culture could become an obstacle to profitability and whether Reddit might get the meme stock treatment its users famously dished out in the past. And, the TikTok creators who’d be most affected by a nationwide ban are the social media company’s greatest lobbyists. Plus, the impact Family Dollar store closures could have on food deserts and an incredible feat by American sailor Cole Brauer.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “TikTok’s ‘Juicy Body Goddess’ speaks to CNN about potential ban” from CNN Politics
- “TikTok creators say House ban threatens lives and livelihoods” from The Washington Post
- “There is something core to Reddit that is extremely powerful, says former Reddit CEO Ellen Pao” from CNBC Television
- “Reddit will let users participate in its IPO” from Marketplace
- “Dollar Tree to close nearly 1,000 stores” from AP News
- “29-year-old becomes first American woman to sail nonstop around the world” from PBS NewsHour
- “Sailor Cole Brauer makes history as the first American woman to race solo around the world” from NBC News

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

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Today, the House of Representatives passed a bill that could ban TikTok in the U.S. We’ll weigh the national security risks behind the app and its growing impact on American culture. Plus, how bitcoin bounced back, a crackdown on judge shopping (yes, that’s a thing) and why we’re glad our podcast isn’t owned by a billionaire!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “What to Know About the TikTok Bill That the House Passed” from The New York Times
- “Bitcoin Hits Record $72,000, Emboldening Crypto Industry” from The New York Times
- “Bitcoin soars to record high following UK approval of crypto asset” from ABC News
- “Bitcoin Rally Is Minting More Than 1,500 ‘Millionaire Wallets’ a Day” from Business Insider
- “Federal courts move against ‘judge-shopping'” from Politico
- “Don Lemon says Elon Musk canceled his new show after ‘tense’ interview” from Axios
- “Don Lemon says Elon Musk canceled X deal after taping an interview together” from The Washington Post

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Boycotts have been making headlines lately, from the movement to boycott Israel over the war in Gaza, which has hit companies like Starbucks and McDonald’s, to a new right-wing boycott of Doritos over the brand’s decision to partner with a trans influencer. Consumer boycott campaigns are frequently tossed around in the news cycle. But do they really make a difference in the long run? On the show today, Brayden King at the Kellogg School of Management explains why boycotts don’t usually affect a company’s bottom line, where boycotts actually do make an impact and how social media has changed the way these campaigns work. Plus, the difference between boycotts and buycotts.

Then, a reminder that inflation’s ride down is a bumpy one. And, this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question comes from Jasmine Harris, author of “Black Women, Ivory Tower.”

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Shopping has become a political act. Here’s how it happened.” from Vox
- “How Much Do Boycotts Affect a Company’s Bottom Line?” from KelloggInsight
- “What to Know About the Global Boycott Movement Against Israel” from Time
- “McDonald’s franchises emerge as new flashpoint in Israel-Hamas war” from The Washington Post
- “Right-Wing Boycotters Have a New Target: Doritos” from Business Insider
- “Inflation Picks Up to 3.2% in February, Slightly Hotter Than Expected” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Judge blocks US labor board rule on contract and franchise workers” from Reuters

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New data shows Black and Latino voters are shifting away from the Democratic Party and toward the GOP. But is this shift real? We’ll get into it and discuss the possible economic forces at play. Plus, what you really need to know about President Joe Biden’s budget proposal. And, the similarities between humans and bumblebees!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “White House Forecasts Somewhat Higher Interest Rates” from The Wall Street Journal
- Survey on racial realignment in American politics from John Burn-Murdoch on X
- “Bees Reveal a Human-Like Collective Intelligence We Never Knew Existed” from ScienceAlert
- “Ancient Rome successfully fought against voter intimidation − a political story told on a coin that resonates today” from The Conversation

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Apple has abandoned its effort to make an autonomous electric vehicle. We’ll get into why the company’s venture flopped and what it says about the supply chain for electric vehicle parts. Then, we’ll explain how a Texas federal judge’s ruling is upending race-based aid for businesses. And, guest host Sabri Ben-Achour tells us how he created a flower. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “How Apple Sank About $1 Billion a Year Into a Car It Never Built” from Bloomberg
- “Federal judge in Texas rules that minority-business aid must be offered to all races” from The Houston Chronicle
- “Federal judge in Texas says agency created to help minority-owned businesses must provide assistance to all races” from CNN Politics
- “Retailers take on Amazon Prime with new subscription services” from Marketplace
- “The IRS pilots its free tax-filing program” from Marketplace
- “Oscar Watch Parties” from LAist
- “Skijoring brings cowboys and skiers to Western towns, but warm weather leaves the sport in flux” from Marketplace
- “Bill that could ban TikTok in the U.S. gains momentum in Congress” from NBC News

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell took a trip to Capitol Hill this week to testify about the health of the U.S. economy. We’ll get into the TL;DR of Powell’s testimony and why he doesn’t foresee a recession around the corner. And, we’ll talk about how political campaigns are spending on advertising these days. Plus, the latest regional banking woes and what rapidly advancing deepfakes could do to this year’s elections.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Key takeaways from Fed Chair Powell’s testimony on Capitol Hill” from CNN Business
- “What’s new in campaign ads? Asking for money to buy more ads and run them absolutely everywhere” from Marketplace
- “NYCB fallout has longer-term ramifications for regionals now, says Ritholtz’s Josh Brown” from CNBC
- “Steven Mnuchin Backs New York Community Bank in $1 Billion Deal” from The New York Times
- “Deepfakes and the 2024 election season” from Marketplace

Get ready for Economics on Tap and subscribe to our newsletter to get a copy of our new cocktails zine. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

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Nikki Haley has officially ended her 2024 presidential bid and had a lot to say about the state of the economy as she bowed out. We’ll get into that and look at where the dominoes are falling in the presidential contest post-Super Tuesday. Plus, the money moves political candidates sometimes make to cruise to victory. And, how “rumor clinics” helped combat mis- and disinformation during World War II.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- Statement about Nikki Haley’s exit from the presidential campaign
- “McConnell endorses Trump for president as Haley suspends campaign” from The Hill
- “RNC resolution to prohibit paying Trump’s legal bills is ‘dead’” from Politico
- “New York Community Bancorp to Get More Than $1 Billion Investment” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Steve Garvey’s Improbable Rise, Decades After His Baseball Heyday” from The New York Times
- “Tesla CEO Elon Musk says he’s not donating money to Trump or Biden” from CNBC
- “World War II ‘Rumor Clinics’ Helped America Battle Wild Gossip” from Smithsonian Magazine

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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It’s Super Tuesday, and we’re talking about something that’s on the ballot in many nations around the world: populism. Right-wing populist movements have been gaining popularity in democracies like Hungary, Italy, India and the United States, to name a few. On the show today, sociologist Bart Bonikowski breaks down what populism is, how it shows up on the left and right, why right-wing populism seems to be catching foothold in so many countries and the economic factors at play. Plus, why this year could be a test for global democracy.

Then, the reason you may be having trouble getting your prescription drugs lately. And, we’ll hear from our listeners about their favorite anime series.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “It’s a major global election year, and populism is on the ballot” from Ipsos
- “Trump, Brexit, and the Rise of Populism: Economic Have-Nots and Cultural Backlash” from Harvard Kennedy School
- “Revealed: the rise and rise of populist rhetoric” from The Guardian
- “Populism is morphing in insidious ways” from The Atlantic
- “US 2.0: Not at the Dinner Table” from Hidden Brain Media
- “How a health-care cyberattack may affect your prescription drug access” from The Washington Post
- “Calls Mount for Government Help as Change Healthcare Hack Freezes Medical Payments” from The Wall Street Journal
- “China’s New Economic Agenda, a Lot Like the Old One: Takeaways” from The New York Times
- Subscribe to the “Make Me Smart” newsletter

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Today we’re digging into a series of economic reports that give us more insight into what’s happening in this economy. First, we look at rising prices, the cost of money and why inflation might actually be higher than we think. Then, what a new report says about the most physically demanding jobs in America. Plus, how a school in Burkina Faso stays cool in triple-digit temps. And, a “Make Me Smart” listener shares anime-style fan art!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “The cost of money doesn’t factor into the cost of living” from Marketplace
- “The Cost of Money is Part of the Cost of Living: New Evidence on the Consumer Sentiment Anomaly” from the National Bureau of Economic Research
- “The most physically demanding jobs in America” from The Washington Post
- “Direct file tax system opens to new users as IRS service levels improve” from The Hill
- “‘We don’t need air con’: how Burkina Faso builds schools that stay cool in 40C heat” from The Guardian
- Anime-style fan art of Kai and Kimberly from Audie Norman on X

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Elon Musk is suing OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, saying the artificial intelligence company abandoned its founding mission to prioritize the benefit of humanity over profit. Is this just a bunch of industry drama, or could it be a real turning point in the development of generative AI? And, how the cultural conversation around shoplifting has played out at one CVS store. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty, and Kimberly shares a hair-raising leech story.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “The legend of the empty CVS in Washington, D.C.” from The Washington Post
- “CDC ending five-day COVID isolation guidance” from The Hill
- “Elon Musk Sues OpenAI, Sam Altman, Saying They Abandoned Founding Mission” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Can “Dune: Part Two” bring audiences back to movie theaters?” from Marketplace
- “Why are so many CEOs heading for the exits?” from Marketplace
- “Disney joins forces with India’s Reliance Industries to create massive new streaming platform” from Marketplace
- “More US high schools now require personal finance courses” from Marketplace
- “The Rise of the Do-Nothing Vacation” from The Wall Street Journal

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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We’ve got mail! And, lots of questions about inflation from listeners. Today, we’ll explain why interest rates cuts may be on the horizon even amid a booming economy; the relationship between the minimum wage and inflation; and what leap day means for your paycheck. Plus, Kai and Kimberly get a special delivery!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Why Cut Interest Rates in an Economy This Strong? A Big Question Confronts the Fed” from The New York Times
- “Personal Income and Outlays, January 2024” from Bureau of Economic Analysis
- “Fed’s Preferred Inflation Metric Increases by Most in a Year” from Bloomberg
- “Characteristics of minimum wage workers, 2020” from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- “Wage increases haven’t really boosted inflation, new Fed research says” from Marketplace
- “How does leap year affect your paycheck?” from Marketplace
- “It’s leap day, an extra workday. Here’s what that means for your paycheck” from CNN

Get ready for Economics on Tap and subscribe to our newsletter to get a copy of our new cocktails zine. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

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Mitch McConnell announced he’s stepping down as leader of Senate Republicans this year. The longest-serving Senate leader revealed the decision amid ongoing negotiations over Ukraine funding and a looming government shutdown. We’ll look back on his historic tenure. Plus, why some corporations should learn to read the room. And, the legacy of “Soul Train,” the iconic TV dance show. Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Mitch McConnell to step down from Republican Senate leadership” from The Associated Press
- “Kellogg CEO under fire for cereal for dinner campaign” from The Washington Post
- “Wendy’s ‘Will Not Implement Surge Pricing,’ Spokesperson Says” from The Today Show
- “The revolutionary spirit of Soul Train” from Vox
- NASA satellite and Russian satellite get dangerously close to each other from LeoLabs on X
- More thoughts about these satellites from Paul Byrne on X
- “What to do about all that space junk? Cue the lasers” from Marketplace

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Anime seems to be just about everywhere these days: film, music videos, the NFL and big streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.

“Anime is colossal. In terms of raw revenue, anime and the NLF are tied at about $20 billion in [annual global] revenue,” said Chris Plante, editor in chief and co-founder of Polygon at Vox Media. “When you think of anime, it can be seen as niche, but the reality is that couldn’t be further from the truth.”

On the show today, Plante explains anime economics, what’s behind the rise of anime in the United States and some of the problematic aspects of the medium.

Later, we’ll discuss how climate change is impacting cherry blossom season and why the commercial real estate crisis could be a big problem for regional banks.

Later, one listener calls in on a landline about landlines. And, this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question comes from a digital illustrator based in Long Beach, California.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Who watches anime? Polygon surveyed more than 4,000 people to find out” from Polygon
- “Anime Market to Reach USD 62.7 Billion by 2032” from Yahoo Finance
- “Anime Is Booming. So Why Are Animators Living in Poverty?” from The New York Times
- “Sony Jacks Up Prices for Crunchyroll and Kills Funimation” from Gizmodo
- “From Niche To Mainstream: The Unstoppable Global Popularity Of Anime And How It Happened” from BuzzFeed
- “Streaming and covid-19 have entrenched anime’s global popularity” from The Economist
- “Naruto Movie in the Works With Destin Daniel Cretton” from The Hollywood Reporter
- “Cherry blossom forecast: We predict peak bloom in D.C. around March 21” from The Washington Post
- “Early jacaranda bloom sparks debate about climate change in Mexico” from Reuters
- “Commercial Real Estate Market Plunge Has Lenders Facing a Brutal Reality” from Bloomberg
- “Comic: Tienes economic anxiety? Artist Julio Salgado reflects on changes in creative industries” from the Los Angeles Times

Are you a fan of anime? Tell us about your favorite anime series! Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Next month, Congress has a jam-packed to-do list, including funding the government, the ongoing impeachment proceedings of the Homeland Security secretary and high-stakes congressional primaries. We’ll explain all the reasons March is about to be a doozy in Washington. Plus, the work and money behind TikTok’s viral trick-shot videos. And the inspiration behind the theme music for Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “35 Hours for a 10-Second Clip: The Art of the TikTok Trick Shot” from The New York Times
- “Editor’s Note: Never mind the Ides of March, beware all of March” from Roll Call
- “The rhythmic world of Koji Kondo, maestro of Mario” from The Washington Post
- “$1 Billion Donation Will Provide Free Tuition at a Bronx Medical School” from The New York Times
- Berkshire Hathaway Inc Class A stock price from Google Finance

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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It’s been two years since Russia invaded Ukraine, and the U.S. is imposing new sanctions on Russia in an attempt to weaken the Kremlin. But sanctions aren’t proving to be all that effective. We’ll get into some research weighing how well government sanctions work compared to consumer-driven boycotts. And, Instagram is a popular news destination, whether the social media operation likes it or not. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full / Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Instagram’s Uneasy Rise as a News Site” from The New York Times
- “2 Years Into Russia-Ukraine War, U.S. Campaign to Isolate Putin Shows Limits” from The New York Times
- “Biden announces over 500 new sanctions for Russia’s war in Ukraine and Navalny death” from NPR
- “A Theory of International Boycotts” from economist Abdoulaye Ndiaye
- “Google tests removing the News tab from search results” from Nieman Journalism Lab
- “Diners aren’t going to steakhouses just for the steak anymore” from Marketplace
- “25 leap year activities to celebrate February’s bonus day” from Today
- “Review: Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender delivers charm and style” from Vox
- “Amazon Wants You to Pay With Your Palm. It’s a Sneak Attack on Apple and Google.” from The Wall Street Journal
- “This economy is feeling like the ’90s” from Marketplace

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Nvidia’s fourth quarter results blew past analysts’ expectations with a revenue of $22.1 billion. We’ll get into what sizzling hot demand for the chip maker’s products says about the larger generative AI boom. And, we’ll discuss the threat AI-generated misinformation poses to the 2024 election, and what states are doing to combat it. Plus, experiencing sticker shock at the grocery store lately? Kellogg suggests trying cereal for dinner.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Nvidia Sales Reach New Heights as Company Forecasts Bigger AI Boom” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Authorities target two Texas firms in probe of AI-generated robocalls before New Hampshire’s primary” from AP News
- “After the chaos of 2020, states are preparing for election challenges — and threats” from “Marketplace”
- “‘I think our fear of high inflation is well warranted,’” Minneapolis Fed president says” from “Marketplace”
- “WK Kellogg CEO Gary Pilnick: ‘Cereal for dinner’ is trending for consumers under price pressure” from CNBC
- “It’s Been 30 Years Since Food Ate Up This Much of Your Income” from The Wall Street Journal

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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Most of the cargo cranes at U.S. ports are made in China, and they could be spying. The Biden administration announced a plan to spend billions of dollars to replace and manufacture the equipment domestically over national security concerns. We’ll explain. Plus, how an Alabama court ruling on embryos may affect fertility treatments in a post-Roe world. And, the story of a man, an astronaut and a homemade antenna.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “U.S. to Invest Billions to Replace China-Made Cranes at Nation’s Ports” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Alabama Supreme Court rules frozen embryos are children, imperiling IVF” from The Washington Post
- “Alabama health system pauses IVF treatments after court embryo ruling” from The Hill
- “Man in Backyard Talks to Orbiting Astronaut Using Homemade Antenna” from kottke.org
- “Florida farmworkers created America’s strongest workplace heat rules” from The Washington Post

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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After former President Trump’s recent digs at NATO, officials at a global security conference in Munich over the weekend weighed what European countries would do if Trump were re-elected and abandoned the United States’ treaty commitments. On the show today, Kathleen McInnis, senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, discusses the history and future of NATO and why it matters to the global economy. We’ll also share our takeaways from Fani Willis’ testimony. Plus, a former NASA astronaut was wrong about what we (earthlings) gain from going to space.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Trump said he might ignore NATO’s duty to defend. Here’s what the group does.” from The Washington Post
- “After Trump’s claims, here’s what to know about NATO member defense spending” from ABC News
- “NATO’s Article 5 Collective Defense Obligations, Explained” from Brennan Center for Justice
- “Why Americans Still Need NATO” from Foreign Policy
- “Trump didn’t quit NATO, but a potential second term alarms allies” from The Washington Post
- “The life and testimony of Fani Willis’s father, John Floyd III” from The Washington Post
- “DA Fani Willis testified she paid cash during trips with top prosecutor. One winery host remembers her paying in paper bills” from CNN Politics
- “How the Freedman’s Bank failure still impacts Black Americans” from Marketplace
- “Elon Musk’s SpaceX Forges Closer Ties With U.S. Spy and Military Agencies” from The Wall Street Journal

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, a fierce critic of Vladimir Putin, has died in a Russian penal colony. We’ll reflect on Navalny’s impact and what it means to push back against the slow creep of political change. Plus, more evidence that plastic recycling is a myth pushed by the plastics industry. And, we’ll weigh in on the romance novel revival and landline phones in a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “‘They lied’: plastics producers deceived public about recycling, report reveals” from The Guardian
- “Tucker Carlson: ‘No decent person would defend’ what happened to Navalny” from The Hill
- “OpenAI teases ‘Sora,’ its new text-to-video AI model” from NBC News
- “Best Buy to End DVD, Blu-ray Disc Sales” from Variety
- “Making beer with the help of AI” from Axios
- “Steamy, sultry and stigmatized no more: romance novels are having a moment” from Marketplace
- “The humble landline phone beloved by Gen Z” from Axios

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Joe Biden’s re-election campaign launched a meme-heavy TikTok account in an effort to reach young voters. But considering national security concerns related to the platform, will the move pay off? We’ll get into it. Plus, strikes by Uber and Lyft drivers across the country are once again highlighting the distinction between contractors and employees. And, we’ll get into Bitcoin’s rebound and Beyoncé’s venture into country music.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Why Lyft and Uber drivers did their largest strike ever” from Vox
- “Chicago Uber, Lyft drivers join Valentine’s Day strike with thousands across country” from The Chicago Sun-Times
- President Biden’s first post on TikTok
- “Biden campaign joins TikTok in an effort to reach younger voters” from The Washington Post
- “Bitcoin briefly crosses $52,000 as it recaptures $1 trillion market cap” from CNBC
- “Crypto ETFs now own 3.5% of all bitcoins in existence after ’10 years of pent-up demand'” from Markets Insider
- “Beyoncé’s new country songs salute the genre’s Black cultural roots” from The Washington Post
- “Beyoncé’s new country song features N.C. native Rhiannon Giddens” from Axios Raleigh

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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Israel plans to expand its military offensive into Rafah, a city on the southern tip of the Gaza Strip where many Palestinians are sheltered. On the show today, guest host Reema Khrais reflects on her personal connection to the major conflict and shares some of her reporting on the experience of Palestinians in Gaza right now. Plus, how the Joe Biden administration is grappling with growing pushback against unconditional U.S. military aid to Israel. Then, we’ll smile about lifelong female friendships and AI-generated breakup texts.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Some Palestinians leave Rafah refuge, fearing Israeli assault” from Reuters
- “A conversation with Baba” from Marketplace’s “This Is Uncomfortable”
- “My name is Hana” from Marketplace’s “This Is Uncomfortable”
- “Calls grow in Europe to halt arms exports to Israel as US Senate passes aid package” from CNN
- “Senators say ‘BFD’ presidential memo will lead to Israeli aid cuts. The White House has a different story” from The Independent
- “A bill with $14 billion for Israel’s war in Gaza passes the Senate but may falter in the House.” from The New York Times
- “U.S. Aid to Israel in Four Charts” from Council on Foreign Relations
- “How to stay friends for 50 years? Ask the women of Sugar Hill.” from The Washington Post
- “Can you tell which of these break-up texts are AI-generated? Take our quiz” from The Washington Post
- “I go to strangers’ weddings for fun. Getting invited is pretty easy, and I’ve made a lot of new friends.” from Business Insider

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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This Valentine’s Day eve, we’re thinking about love and what the economy has to do with it. Coming off the heels of a high-inflation period, is this a good time in our economy to find love? On the show today, Julia Carpenter, a personal finance reporter for The Wall Street Journal, discusses how the economy shapes our relationships, the growing wealth gap between single and married people, and the idea of a “money date.”

Then, married people enjoy many legal benefits that aren’t extended to single folks. Is it time to change that? And this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question is all about Swiftynomics!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Couples Embrace the Least Romantic Date Ever: The Money Date” from The Wall Street Journal
- “It’s Now 40% More Expensive to Be Single and Dating Than It Was a Decade Ago” from Time
- “‘I’m So in Debt That I’m Afraid to Date’” from The Cut
- “How the economy shapes our love lives” from Vox
- “Moving In Together Doesn’t Match the Financial Benefits of Marriage, but Why?” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Opinion | Marriage has a monopoly on legal benefits. It shouldn’t.” from The Washington Post
- “Inflation ran hotter than expected in January, complicating the Fed’s rate decision” from CBS News
- “Swifties vs. NFL fans: What happens when two rabid fanbases collide” from Fast Company

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Former President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he would allow Russia to do whatever it wants to NATO allies that don’t pay their bills. We’ll discuss why Trump’s willingness to ignore our treaty obligations hurts Americans’ freedom and standard of living. Plus, why robots aren’t coming for our jobs anytime soon. And, we’ll make you smart on why cats get stuck in trees!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Trump told S.C. rally that he supports Russian aggression against NATO allies” from NPR
- “Wealth disparities by race grew during the pandemic, despite income gains, report shows” from The Associated Press
- “Robot invasion hit a bump in 2023 as North American economy cooled” from Reuters
- “Yes, cats do get stuck in trees. This climber rescues them for free.” from The Washington Post
- Travis Kelce yelling at coach becomes Super Bowl meme from Scott Lincicome on X

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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New data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics offers a glimpse into the gender and racial makeup of occupations in the U.S. workforce. One takeaway from the data: Many jobs are still highly gendered. Guest hosts Amy Scott and Nova Safo get into it. And, we’ll explain why the chickens may be coming home to roost for banks due to commercial real estate vacancies. Plus, we’ll play a heated round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Yellen: It’s ‘obvious’ that empty office buildings will create banking stress and losses” from CNN Business
- “Yellen sees more commercial real estate stress, losses, but no systemic banking risk” from Reuters
- “40% of Lawyers Are Women. 7% Are Black. America’s Workforce in Charts” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Some colleges are bringing back the SAT and ACT requirement” from Marketplace
- “The Hottest New Accessory in LA Restaurants? Your Takeout Containers From Home.” from Eater Los Angeles
- “Coke’s first new permanent flavor in years adds a spicy twist” from CNN
- “Australia Introduces the ‘Right To Disconnect’ For Workers” from The New York Times
- “Taylor Swift props: Who will she sit by, what will she wear and 10 more Super Bowl bets” from The Athletic

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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The Congressional Budget Office projects that the national deficit will grow by a trillion dollars in the next 10 years. Soaring interest payments on the national debt are one reason why. We’ll explain why that’s a problem for the United States’ fiscal future. And, was the Senate’s high-profile hearing with a spread of Big Tech CEOs all for show? Plus, Disney’s new one-stop-shop sports streaming venture and what Sweethearts’ clever rebrand says about today’s dismal dating culture.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “U.S. deficit will soar in the next decade, new CBO projections show” from Axios
- “Sen. Klobuchar explains what it takes to protect children online” from Marketplace
- “Disney CEO Bob Iger on new streaming bundle partnership: I’d rather be a disruptor than be disrupted” from CNBC
- “When it comes to live sports, consumers show streaming services the money” from Marketplace
- “Super Bowl commercials 2024: Crypto and AI are out, insurance and mayo are in” from CNN
- “In a first for Uber since becoming a public company, an annual profit.” from AP News
- Advertisement for Sweethearts Situationships on Instagram

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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Since the pandemic, younger adults have become wealthier than older generations. That’s according to a new analysis from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Guest host Amy Scott joins us to discuss how that happened and what the stock market has to do with it. Plus, why there might be trouble ahead for regional banks. And, a look inside the world of competitive speed puzzling.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Young Americans’ Wealth Growth Outpaces Older Generations Since Pandemic” from Bloomberg
- “Wealth Inequality by Age in the Post-Pandemic Era” from Liberty Street Economics
- “Why One Shaky Bank Is Stirring Fears of a Wider Financial Mess from The New York Times
- “Yellen Says Commercial Property Is a Worry, But Regulators Are on It” from Bloomberg
- “Polar bear sleeping on iceberg wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year award” from The Washington Post
- “For top jigsaw puzzlers, 500 pieces in an hour is no problem” from The Washington Post

Got a question for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Congress hasn’t passed meaningful immigration policy reform in decades. And the fate of the border deal the Senate has been weighing is looking bleak. But immigrants are an important part of the U.S. economy, and the status quo is not working. So what do we do? On the show today, César Cuauhtémoc García Hernández, an immigration law professor at Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law and author of the new book “Welcome the Wretched: In Defense of the ‘Criminal Alien,'” explains why our current immigration policies don’t match the country’s economic needs, what a realistic approach to immigration would look like, and why states and cities might have to take the lead on the issue if Congress continues to stagnate.

Then, we’ll break down the betting forecast for this year’s Super Bowl by the numbers. And, Big Tech’s AI crutch. Plus, we’ll get smarter about cicadas!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “The Senate border deal is dead” from The Washington Post
- “Detention and that border ‘shutdown’: What’s really in Biden’s bipartisan immigration deal” from Politico
- “Before Title 42, Congress Failed to Overhaul Immigration Policy” from The New York Times
- “Biden weighs a “shocking” revival of Trump’s immigration agenda” from Vox
- “Texas’ Standoff With the Border Patrol Is a Constitutional Powder Keg” from Mother Jones
- “Immigration has returned to pre-pandemic numbers. How does that affect the economy?” from Marketplace
- “Tech Layoffs Just Keep Coming as Sector Resets for AI” from The Wall Street Journal
- “The Super Bowl is expected to smash betting records. Nearly 68M US adults plan to wager” from AP News
- “Cicada brood map 2024: When and where billions of the bugs will emerge” from Vox

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Facebook turned 20 over the weekend, so we’re taking a trip down memory lane. Guest host Matt Levin joins the pod to discuss the parallels between the (begrudging) acceptance of Facebook and the rise of artificial intelligence. And the SAT requirement is back at a top college and others may follow suit. We’ll talk about what this means for students. Plus, a Kai rant on how traders are responding to Powell’s “60 Minutes” interview, and the Make Me Smile of all Make Me Smiles … it’s the 2024 Puppy Bowl!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Facebook Turns 20: From Mark Zuckerberg’s Harvard Dorm Room to the Metaverse” from The Wall Street Journal
- “A Top College Reinstates the SAT” from The New York Times
- “Stock Market Today: S&P 500 Falls After Powell Says Caution Needed on Rate Cuts” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Fed Chair Jerome Powell: The 2024 60 Minutes Interview” from CBS News
- “Meet the Players of Puppy Bowl XX” from Discovery
- “How the Puppy Bowl became a marketing juggernaut in its own right” from Marketplace

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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A new report from Human Rights Watch found ties between forced labor in China and the aluminum products used by many popular automakers. We’ll get into what the discovery could mean for companies that want to ramp up electric vehicle production. And, meet the sailor making history as the first American woman to race solo around the world. Plus, we’ll weigh in on Apple’s new Vision Pro headset and more in a game of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Asleep at the Wheel: Car Companies’ Complicity in Forced Labor in China” from Human Rights Watch
- “Major automakers may be using Chinese aluminum produced with Uyghur forced labor, rights group says” from AP News
- “Sailor Cole Brauer Is Making History as the First U.S. Female to Race Solo Across the Globe: ‘It’s a Dream Come True'” from People
- “Why Universal is calling time out on TikTok” from Marketplace
- “How to Cook Salmon in the Microwave” from The New York Times
- “Buy now, pay later platforms now offer subscriptions” from Marketplace
- “Cheers! Bars are pouring beers from the bottom up” from Axios
- “What is Apple Vision Pro? Price, what to know about headset on its release date” from USA Today
- “Why Tim Cook Is Going All In on the Apple Vision Pro” from Vanity Fair

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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The New York Times is suing OpenAI and Microsoft, claiming the companies’ artificial intelligence systems were illegally trained on copyrighted articles from the news outlet. But can our current intellectual property laws stand up to rapidly developing AI technology? We’ll get into it. And, we’ll hear what Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell wants to see more of before cutting interest rates. Plus, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on the first time she smoked pot in college.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “OpenAI Says New York Times Lawsuit Against It Is ‘Without Merit’” from The New York Times
- “The economy and ethics of AI training data” from Marketplace
- “Fed Signals Cuts Are Possible but Not Imminent as It Holds Rates Steady” from The Wall Street Journal
- “NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter Ends Its Mission” from The New York Times
- “‘Wait Wait’ for January 27, 2024: With Not My Job guest Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen” from NPR

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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Today, U.S. senators grilled the CEOs of Meta, TikTok, X and other social media companies on online child safety. And while there’s lots of blame to go around, aren’t lawmakers responsible for making laws to protect kids? Get ready for a Kai rant. Plus, how the system we use to pick presidential candidates has fallen apart. And a new discovery on the power of music!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Social Media Company CEOs Testify on Online Child Sexual Exploitation” from C-SPAN
- “The Real Reason We’re Stuck with Trump v. Biden” from Politico
- “Did a Young Democratic Activist in 1968 Pave the Way for Donald Trump?” from Politico
- “Music found to cause similar emotions and bodily sensations across cultures” from Phys.org
- “Bodily maps of musical sensations across cultures” from PNAS

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Boeing’s 737 Max 9 planes are flying again after the recent door-plug blowout incident that had kept the planes grounded for nearly a month. But the company’s troubles are far from over. Over the past two decades, Boeing’s reputation has been in decline. On the show today, Peter Robison, author of “Flying Blind: The 737 MAX Tragedy and the Fall of Boeing,” explains where things went wrong for America’s aviation giant, the 737 Max’s potential fate, and whether Boeing’s crisis could make way for a new competitor in the commercial aerospace industry.

Plus, would you let Elon Musk implant a chip in your brain? And the one-two punch at UPS.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “How Did a Boeing Jet End Up With a Big Hole?” from The New York Times
- “Boeing, not Spirit, mis-installed piece that blew off Alaska MAX 9 jet, industry source says” from The Seattle Times
- “The Crash of Two Airplanes and the Crisis at Boeing” from The New York Times
- “Boeing’s MAX production issues ripple across aerospace industry” from Reuters
- “Boeing’s latest 737 Max incident might not lose it much business” from Marketplace
- “Elon Musk Says Neuralink Has Implanted Brain Chip in Human” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Business Groups Sue California to Block Climate Disclosures” from The Wall Street Journal
- “UPS to Cut 12,000 Jobs and Mandate Return to Offices Five Days a Week” from The Wall Street Journal

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-

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A two-year investigation by the Associated Press digs into the prison labor behind the foods we eat every day. We’ll discuss how incarcerated people’s labor is tied to some of the world’s biggest companies, including Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and Walmart. Then, we’ll unpack the negotiations over a bipartisan border security deal. And, a wild conspiracy theory involving the NFL, Taylor Swift and the election?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Prisoners in the US are part of a hidden workforce linked to hundreds of popular food brands” from The Associated Press
- “Lankford defends bipartisan border security bill after attacks by Trump, GOP” from The Washington Post
- “OKGOP State Committee Condemns James Lankford” from OKGrassroots
- “Vivek Goes Full Tinfoil Hat With New Taylor Swift Election Conspiracy” from The Daily Beast
- “Young Swifties are tuning in to the NFL. Their dads are loving it” from The Washington Post
- “Walmart’s latest perk for U.S. store managers? Stock grants” from ABC News
- “Private Equity Is Starting to Share With Workers, Without Taking a Financial Hit” from The New York Times

We love to hear from you. Send us your tips and tricks for creating and remembering passwords! Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Today, the Biden administration is pausing decisions on building new liquefied natural gas export plants. But energy production in the United States is roaring, which poses a political conundrum for both parties. We’ll explain why. Plus, the latest on the back and forth over a bipartisan border deal and why the House isn’t playing ball. Later, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Johnson fires warning shot at Senate border talks” from Politico
“Trump must pay E. Jean Carroll over $83 million in defamation damages, jury rules” from NBC News
“Opinion The secret both parties want to keep about US energy” from The Washington Post
“White House takes closer look at impact of LNG exports” from Marketplace
“Live sports streaming racks up subscriptions” from Marketplace
“Can’t sleep? Mattresses, masks and supplements say they can help.” from Marketplace
“Why you’ll have a hard time buying the “most American fruit”’ from Marketplace
“Billions of cicadas are set to appear in a rare ‘double brood emergence,’ scientists say” from CNN
“Is the Vibecession Finally Coming to an End?” from The New York Times

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain announced that the union has endorsed President Biden’s bid for re-election. It’s a big deal for Biden’s pro-labor image. But what else could the union endorsement mean for his campaign? And, we’ll get into the conflict between facts and feelings in today’s economy. Plus, the political implications of a decline in local journalism and what the history of the New Deal can teach about ambitious investment in our country’s infrastructure.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “What UAW backing means for Biden − and why the union’s endorsement took so long” from The Conversation
- “U.S. Economy Grew at 3.3% Rate in Latest Quarter” from The New York Times
- “Yellen, Criticizing Trump, Says Biden’s Economy Has Delivered Gains” from The New York Times
- “L.A. Times to lay off at least 115 people in the newsroom” from L.A. Times
- “More than half of U.S. counties have no access or very limited access to local news” from Medill
- “How FDR’s New Deal changed the U.S. economy forever” from Marketplace

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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The federal deficit is growing, and a former U.S. Treasury secretary is offering a solution: raising taxes! We’ll get into why talking tax hikes is a big no-no in Congress and why spending cuts may not cut it this time either. And, foreign nationals aren’t allowed to contribute to U.S. elections. But a loophole is seemingly allowing some foreign-influenced companies to do just that. Plus, the story of an astronaut and a dangerous ultimatum.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Joe Manchin’s debt crusade” from Politico
- “Rubin Says US In a ‘Terrible Place’ on Deficit, Urges Tax Hikes” from Bloomberg
- “All these government shutdown close calls cost money” from Marketplace
- “Foreign-Influenced Corporate Money in State Elections” from Open Secrets
- “Jon Stewart Returns to ‘Daily Show’ as Monday Host, Executive Producer” from Variety
- “What happens when an astronaut in orbit says he’s not coming back?” from Ars Technica

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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The long-term care industry has been plagued by unaffordable prices and staffing shortages, squeezed by growing demand as the country ages. But public health officials have been voicing concerns about another, more hidden issue: the rise of private-equity-owned nursing homes. On the show today, Mark Unruh, professor of population health sciences at Weill Cornell Medical College, breaks down the long-term care industry, how nursing homes are impacted by private equity ownership, and what high, convoluted costs and staffing shortages mean for aging Americans seeking nursing home care.

Then, we’ll dig into a niche economic indicator and how work is weighing on us. Plus, how one listener used their pandemic stimulus cash.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “How do nursing homes make money?” from Marketplace
- “How Patients Fare When Private Equity Funds Acquire Nursing Homes” from the National Bureau of Economic Research
- “‘They Were Traumatized’: How a Private Equity-Associated Lender Helped Precipitate a Nursing-home implosion” from Politico
- “Who Really Owns Nursing Homes, And How The Feds Are About To Learn More” from Forbes
- “Dying Broke” from KFF Health News
- “Unhappy Workers Cost US Firms $1.9 Trillion” from Bloomberg
- “New LegalShield Data Reveals Highest Consumer Financial Stress Level in 3 Years” from LegalShield
- “TurboTax isn’t allowed to say it’s ‘free’ anymore” from The Verge

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has ended his 2024 presidential bid. One feature of his campaign that caught our attention: the tight-knit relationship between himself and the Ron DeSantis super PAC, two things that should be very separate. We’ll get into how DeSantis’ team pushed the boundaries of campaign-finance law and what it says about how we govern campaign cash in the U.S. And, we’ll peel back the layers of DeSantis’ recent misattributed Winston Churchill quote. Plus, a record morning for manatees in a Florida state park!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “DeSantis-linked super PAC broke new ground in pushing campaign finance rules in Iowa in support of a 2nd-place finish” from The Conversation
- “Boeing Faces More Pressure as United CEO Vents Frustrations” from Bloomberg
- “Pour One Out for Ron DeSantis” from The Atlantic
- A Facebook post celebrating a record manatee count from Blue Spring State Park in Florida

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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A drop in preowned home sales in December was the cherry on top of the worst year for the U.S. housing market since 1995. We’ll get into the causes of the slump and what it would take for the housing market to get back on track. And, a tax deal that would expand the child tax credit is gaining momentum. Then, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Strong bipartisan showing in first test of tax deal’s support” from Roll Call
- “Mars Express finds evidence of large water deposit at the Medusae Fossae Formation” from Phys.org
- “What Is an Assumable Mortgage?” Buy Side from The Wall Street Journal
- “US Existing-Home Sales Decline to Cap Worst Year Since 1995” from Bloomberg
- “Expect restaurants to go all in on breakfast this year” from Marketplace
- ‘”Super shoes” take their place in the $50B running shoe market” from Marketplace
- “Can robots make us less lonely?” from Marketplace
- “It doesn’t take a Mathlete to know a “Mean Girls” remake adds up for Hollywood” from Marketplace
- “What happens when a school bans smartphones? A complete transformation” from The Guardian

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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The head of the International Monetary Fund said artificial intelligence could impact over half of jobs in advanced economies. But is AI already displacing workers? We’ll get into the latest layoffs sweeping the tech industry. And, the forecast on Capitol Hill: snowy with a chance of negotiations on border security and spending bills. Plus, NASA’s return to the moon is facing some setbacks.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Johnson Casts Doubt on Border Deal to Unlock Ukraine Aid, Defying Biden” from The New York Times
- “AI will affect 40% of jobs and probably worsen inequality, says IMF head” from The Guardian
- “Watch IMF’s Georgieva on Economic Impact of Generative AI” from Bloomberg
- “‘AI made us do it’ is Big Tech’s new layoff rationale” from Axios
- “The Tech Employee Who Went Viral for Filming Her Firing Has No Regrets” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Concerns rise China might reach moon before NASA’s return” from The Washington Post

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

Hey Smarties! We recorded today’s episode before the news broke that Congress voted to pass a short-term spending bill, averting a partial government shutdown. We’re monitoring the story as it develops.

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The Supreme Court is hearing two cases that deal with a foundational part of administrative law, known as the Chevron deference, which gives federal agencies broad powers to create policies and regulations. We’ll explain the fight over the Chevron deference and how the economy could be impacted if it were overturned. And, what do we lose when we don’t get to see candidates debate each other? Plus, don’t talk to me about this year’s presidential election until I’ve had my coffee.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Conservative Justices Appear Skeptical of Agencies’ Regulatory Power” from The New York Times
- “China’s Economic Growth Disappoints, Fueling Stimulus Calls” from Bloomberg
- “CNN cancels New Hampshire Republican primary debate” from Politico
- “Rumors Circulating That James Webb Has Discovered Life on Another World” from Futurism
- “No, the James Webb Space Telescope hasn’t found life out there—at least not yet” from Ars Technica
- “Trump Back in White House? Lagarde Says ‘Let Me Have Some Coffee’” from Bloomberg

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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In 1967, Martin Luther King Jr. wrote that “the solution to poverty is to abolish it directly by a now widely discussed measure: the guaranteed income.” Decades later, while still a divisive idea, the conversation around guaranteed income is starting to simmer, and pilot programs looking at universal basic income, a similar idea, are popping up around the country. On the show today, Stacia West, director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Guaranteed Income Research, explains why King called for a guaranteed income, why UBI is gaining traction today, and what early results from pilot programs are showing us about its impact.

Then, we’ll get into the haggling over the child tax credit on Capitol Hill and check in with the world’s second largest economy. Plus, one historian was wrong about Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision for the American economy.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Remembering Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Solution to Poverty” from The Atlantic
- “Global Map of Basic Income Experiments” from The Stanford Basic Income Lab
- “Stockton’s Universal Basic Income Experiment Increased Employment And Well-Being” from NPR
- “The first results from the world’s biggest basic income experiment in Kenya are in” from Vox
- “The Power of Cash: How Guaranteed Income Can Strengthen Worker Power” from Economic Security Project
- “Musk Wants 25% Voting Control of Tesla Before Building Its AI” from Bloomberg
- “Chinese Premier Makes Surprise Economic Growth Disclosure” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Tax breaks for parents, businesses possible in last-minute deal” from Politico
- “Opinion | Changes to the child tax credit are a win for Congress and America” from The Washington Post

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Certain dietary supplements with an ingredient that mimics opioids are a bubbling problem for public health officials. Sometimes called “gas station heroin,” they’re sold at run-of-the-mill smoke shops and convenience stores. We’ll get into why health officials are concerned and how under-regulation can muddy our understanding of how safe a substance actually is. Then, a much needed-happy puppy story. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Utah Jazz player Kelly Olynyk and wife found dog then found her owner” from The Washington Post
- “Supreme Court to review restrictions on homeless encampments” from The Washington Post
- “More Teens Who Use Marijuana Are Suffering From Psychosis” from The Wall Street Journal
- “‘Gas-Station Heroin’ Sold as Dietary Supplement Alarms Health Officials” from The New York Times
- “Why the earliest version of Mickey Mouse is entering the public domain” from Marketplace
- “Why do we still use paper checks?” from Marketplace
- “ABBA’s Voyage concert series is making London “Money, Money, Money'” from Marketplace
- “Are we entering a world of surge dining?” from Marketplace
- “The thirst for Stanley tumblers has reached a tipping point” from The Washington Post

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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We’re approaching a partial government shutdown, again. We’ll get into why it feels like we’re back at square one and where Congress goes next. And, we’ll explain why the panel blowout during an Alaskan Airlines flight is a big problem for Boeing, despite its strong position in the market. Plus, what bitcoin exchange-traded funds mean for the future of crypto and Nikki Haley’s Social Security plan.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “US Senate Democrats plan for stopgap to avert shutdown, House Republicans bicker” from Reuters
- “Boeing CEO says company is “acknowledging our mistake” after Alaska Airlines door blowout” from CBS News
- “Boeing’s design of a part that blew off a jetliner is being investigated by the federal government” from AP News
- “Nikki Haley wants to reform Social Security and Medicare. Donors are paying attention” from CNN Politics
- “Gary Gensler’s ETF Approval Statement Doubles Down On Bitcoin Criticism: ‘Primarily A Speculative, Volatile Asset'” from Markets Insider
- “SEC makes it easier to trade bitcoin in landmark decision” from The Washington Post

Join us tomorrow for our first Economics on Tap of 2024! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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Today, the Securities and Exchange Commission voted to approve the first exchange-traded funds holding bitcoin. But regulators still have concerns, and a recent hack of an SEC social media account have only heightened fears. Plus, the pandemic relief funds that’ve been keeping state budgets afloat are gone. We’ll unpack why state budgets can be trickier beasts than the federal budget. And: This is normally a zombie-free zone, but “The Last of Us” TV series has us reconsidering.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “SEC Hack Adds to Unease Over Bitcoin ETF Approval” from The Wall Street Journal
- “State Budget Problems Spread” from The Pew Charitable Trusts
- “‘It was a mirage’: States face budget woes as huge infusions of federal cash run out” from Politico
- “The Last Of Us Show Casts Beef Actor As Key Character” from Kotaku

We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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After Elon Musk’s gut renovation of Twitter, now known as X, other platforms like TikTok and Mastodon attempted to take its place as the new hub. But as users flock to various apps and algorithms replace follower-based feeds, the very core of social media is changing. On the show today, The Atlantic’s Charlie Warzel explains the silo-ification of social media, what it means to go viral on today’s internet and how the changing medium might impact the 2024 elections. Plus, a potential upside to the fragmented social media landscape.

Then, we’ll get into what the U.S. is doing about shady shell companies, how China became the world’s biggest car exporter and get smart about gin.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Nobody Knows What’s Happening Online Anymore” from The Atlantic
- “TikTok’s biggest hits are videos you’ve probably never seen” from The Verge
- “The Great Social Media–News Collapse” from The Atlantic
- “U.S. companies in no hurry to disclose ownership under new Treasury rule” from CNBC
- “45 Years Ago, One Kids Book Series Taught A Generation How To Make Bad Decisions” from Fatherly
- “China Becomes the World’s Biggest Auto Exporter—With Help From Russia” from The Wall Street Journal

If you’ve got a question, comment or submission for a state drink, send them our way. We’re at 508-UB-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Former Harvard President Claudine Gay resigned after backlash following controversial testimony to Congress and accusations of plagiarism. We’ll get into Gay’s exit and what it says about privilege in the workplace. And, why Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s failure to tell the White House about his hospitalization is a big deal. Plus, the lore behind John Coltrane’s cover of “My Favorite Things” is making us smile.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Opinion | Former Harvard President Claudine Gay: This Is About More Than My Mistakes” from The New York Times
- “Claudine Gay’s Harvard resignation proves Black women’s leadership is still political” from 19th News
- “The Pentagon adds new details about Austin’s secretive hospital stay and the delay in telling Biden” from AP News
- “How John Coltrane’s ‘My Favorite Things’ Changed American Music” from Smithsonian Magazine
- “Elon Musk Isn’t Getting Enough Sleep” from Bloomberg

Happy New Year! We want to hear about any resolutions you made. Send us an email to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Hey Smarties! Today we’re sharing an episode from “Million Bazillion,” a Marketplace podcast that answers kids’ questions about money. This episode tackles a question many of you might have too: What’s a recession? To get to the bottom of it, hosts Bridget and Ryan take an adventure-filled trip to the Federal Reserve, where they bump into Fed Chair Jerome Powell (who might sound a bit like Kai Ryssdal).

We’ll be back with new episodes next week. Until then, if you’ve got a question, comment or submission for a state drink, send them our way. We’re at 508-UB-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Hey smarties! We’re on a break for the holidays and revisiting some of our top episodes from 2023. We can’t do this show without you and we still need your support. If you can, donate today to keep independent journalism going strong into 2024 and beyond. Give now to support Make Me Smart. Thank you so much for your generosity, happy holidays and we’ll see you in the new year.

Today, we’re talking about two topics near and dear to our hearts: space and economics.

Over the last several years, NASA’s Artemis program and the commercialization of space have given rise to a large and growing space economy. How large?

“It’s about $400 billion. By 2030 it is estimated to become about $1 trillion,” said Namrata Goswami, a scholar on space policy and co-author of the book “Scramble for the Skies: The Great Power Competition to Control the Resources of Outer Space.” “We also include a space economy to come in the next 20 to 30 years which includes the ‘in-space economy,’ so the economy that would be developed in space itself, which would result in a trillion-dollar economy by 2040.”

On the show, Goswami explains the state of the space economy, how the space industry has evolved, and the need for updated international space regulations if we’re really serious about going to Mars. Plus, why retiring on the moon in Kimberly’s lifetime might not be such a far-fetched idea.

In the News Fix: In the first few months of the year, the largest U.S. banks wrote off billions of dollars in bad consumer loans. While not unusual, it could it be a sign of a slowing economy. And could we be nearing the end of the barcode as we know it?

Later, listeners share the many ways they use ChatGPT. And this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question got us thinking about the images (or lack thereof) in our heads.

Note: Fox News reached a settlement in the defamation lawsuit brought by Dominion Voting Systems after this show was recorded.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Among the goals of Artemis I: launching the lunar economy” from Marketplace
- “The Commercial Space Age Is Here” from Harvard Business Review
- “QR-style ‘2D barcodes’ will revolutionize retail as we know it” from Axios
- “Fox News, Dominion reach settlement” from The Washington Post
- “Fox News and Dominion reach a settlement” from NBC News
- “Biggest US banks write off $3.4 billion in bad consumer loans” from Bloomberg
- “More US consumers are falling behind on payments” from Reuters

Got a question for our hosts? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org. Or leave us a voice message at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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Hey Smarties! Today we’re handing things over to the team at “The Uncertain Hour,” a podcast all about the obscure policies and forgotten histories that explain who gets left behind in this economy. In the episode, host Krissy Clark explains the origins of welfare work requirements and gets into the experience of a mother who sought help from a for-profit welfare company when she came upon hard times.

Give now to support Make Me Smart in the new year and beyond!

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Hey Smarties! We’re on a break for the holidays and revisiting some of our top episodes from 2023. We can’t do this show without you, and we still need your support. If you can, donate today to keep independent journalism going strong into 2024 and beyond. Give now to support “Make Me Smart.”

Thank you so much for your generosity. Happy holidays and we’ll see you in the new year!

What can Jell-O tell us about the United States during the Gilded Age? What about Spam during World War II?

According to Anna Zeide, food historian and author of the new book “US History in 15 Foods,” they can tell us a lot about the evolution of American values, government — and of course, the American economy.

“We all have to eat every day, and nothing else we do can really happen without food. And yet, at the same time, I think because of how mundane it becomes in its dailiness, it recedes to the back of our, kind of, concentrated thought. And we don’t spend all that much time thinking about how central it is both to our daily lives as well as to historical events,” Zeide said.

On the show today, Zeide walks us through the history baked into food items from all-American whiskey to Korean tacos. And, why food is often much more than something we simply eat.

In the News Fix, we remember Judy Heumann, an activist who championed crucial pieces of disability rights legislation. Also, eyes are on Walgreens after the company said it would stop dispensing abortion pills in some Republican-led states where abortion is still legal. Plus, we’ll get into why some women in high-level positions are too burned out to stay in the workforce.

Later, a listener sings us a song inspired by Marketplace’s Nova Safo. And this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question comes from a listener who was wrong about dancing.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- Anna Zeide’s “US History in 15 Foods”
- “Remembering Judy Heumann’s lasting contributions to disability rights” from PBS Newshour
- “Walgreens in the hot seat” from Politico
- “California to not do business with Walgreens over abortion pills issue, Governor says” from Reuters
- “Debt Default Would Cripple U.S. Economy, New Analysis Warns” from The New York Times
- “Female Execs Are Exhausted, Frustrated and Heading for the Exits” from Bloomberg

What have you been wrong about lately? We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question! Leave us a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART, and your submission may be featured in a future episode.

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The Golden Bachelor reality dating series has been a big hit this Fall. These kinds of reality TV shows are relatively cheap to produce, but at what cost? Today we’re bringing you an episode of Marketplace’s “This Is Uncomfortable” that gets into the economics of the reality TV industry for contestants and creators alike, and the real life financial and emotional consequences for the stars of the show.

Give now to support Make Me Smart in the new year and beyond!

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Americans love to eat meat. Last year alone, the average American ate 227 pounds poultry, pork and beef. But meat production comes with its own set of ethical and environmental consequences. So how do we get around these concerns? Dozens of startups say they’ve got the answer: lab-grown meat.

Growing beef or chicken in a lab out of a few tiny animal cells may sound like something out of a sci-fi novel, something that will happen far off in the future, but with nearly $3 billion invested in the lab-grown meat industry, that future may already be near.

“I think that that the supermarket, like tackling a Safeway or Kroger, I think that is easily five to 10 years away. The FDA has already given it a green light. They said it is safe to eat, which means that it is one step closer to being in a restaurant,” says Larissa Zimberoff, a journalist and author of “Technically Food: Inside Silicon Valley’s Mission to Change What We Eat.”

On the show today, Zimberoff explains how meat is grown in a lab, why companies are banking on it as a solution to our omnivore’s dilemma, and the challenges that lie ahead for the growing industry. Plus, is lab-grown food here to stay?

In the News Fix: We have a deal on the debt ceiling. After weeks of back and forth, President Joe Biden and House Republicans have struck a tentative deal to raise the debt limit. We get into what it all means, and why the negotiating might not be over.

Later, a listener weighs in on retailer return policies, and our beloved intern gets creative with his answer to the Make Me Smart question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Will I See Lab-Grown Meat in Supermarkets Any Time Soon?” from Bon Appétit
- “Lab-Grown Meat’s Carbon Footprint Potentially Worse Than Retail Beef” from the University of California, Davis
- “Silicon Valley Is Coming for Your Chocolate” from The Atlantic
- “Inside the Battle Between Big Ag and Lab-Grown Meat” from The New Republic
- “Here’s what’s in the debt ceiling deal” from CNN
- “What’s in the Debt-Ceiling Deal” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Defiant House Rejects Huge Bailout; Next Step Is Uncertain” from The New York Times
- “House Passes Bailout Bill in 263-171 Vote” from The New York Times

We love to hear from you. Send us your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Today we’re bringing you an episode from the latest season of “How We Survive,” Marketplace’s climate solutions podcast. In the episode, host Amy Scott and the “How We Survive” crew explore how communities in the Southwest are using technology to reimagine how the region manages its drought-stricken water supply. It turns out that water is everywhere. And it can be sourced in unexpected ways.

We can’t do this show without you and we still need your support. If you can, donate today to keep independent journalism going strong into 2024 and beyond. Give now to support “Make Me Smart.”

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It’s time to air out some of fast fashion’s dirty laundry. Recently, fast-fashion retailer Shein was in the headlines over a paid influencer trip to one of its factories in China. It’s also facing allegations that range from labor rights abuses to high levels of carbon emissions.

Sustainable-fashion writer Alden Wicker’s new book, “To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion Is Making Us Sick” documents another gritty side of the industry: the toxic chemicals used to make the clothing many companies sell.

As it turns out, there aren’t many laws in the U.S. to prevent those chemicals from ending up in our clothes.

“It’s a pretty untenable situation that we’re putting this all on consumers who largely do not have a degree in chemistry to protect themselves from what we know are hazardous chemicals,” Wicker said.

On the show today, Wicker explains why harmful chemicals are in our clothing, how flight attendants became a breakthrough case for toxic clothing and how more regulation could help ensure safer practices in the fashion industry. Plus, what consumers can do to reduce their exposure.

Then, more on harmful chemicals: A recent study found a type of “forever chemical” is uncomfortably common in the U.S. water supply. And, the pending merger between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard got a big push forward from a federal judge this week. We’ll get into why the decision is a major blow to the Federal Trade Commission.

Later, a listener shares an adorable cartoon that has Kimberly Adams written all over it. Plus, this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question is a lesson on the power of language.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Shein, the fast-fashion giant, hits roadblocks” from The Washington Post
- “Are your clothes making you sick? The opaque world of chemicals in fashion” from The Guardian
- “The incredible story of how hatmakers really did ‘go mad’ 300 years ago” from Business Insider
- “Influencers are under fire for praising working conditions in Shein’s clothing factory despite abuse allegations” from NBC News
- “Toxic Chemicals in Shein and Other Fast Fashion Clothing” from Insider
- “What Is Prop 65? And Why Is There a Warning Label on This Thing I Bought?” from The New York Times
- “How to remove PFAS — aka forever chemicals — from drinking water” from Vox
- “Tap water study detects PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ across the US” from U.S. Geological Survey
- “Microsoft Can Close Its $75 Billion Buy of Activision Blizzard, Judge Rules” from The Wall Street Journal
- ‘“USA Geography” Features Humorous Illustrations Of Each State” from Bored Panda
- “The Slowdown” podcast from APM

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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For our final episode of 2023, we’re throwing a holiday party with music, festive fascinator hats and drinks. We’ll also get to some big medical news: For the first time, the FDA approved gene therapies to treat sickle cell disease, which affects mostly Black people in the United States. And, the head of OPEC is meddling in climate talks at COP28. Plus, we’ll play a holiday-themed round of our favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “OPEC Leader Tells Members to Block Any Climate Summit Deal to Curb Fossil Fuels” from The New York Times
- “FDA Approves Breakthrough Sickle Cell Disease Gene Therapies” from HuffPost
- “US FDA approves two gene therapies for sickle cell disease” from Reuters
- “After living with sickle cell disease for 39 years, I’m both excited and skeptical about the newly approved gene therapies” from Stat News
- “Buy now, pay later hit an all-time high on Cyber Monday” from Marketplace
- “A Brief History of the White Elephant Party” from The New York Times
- “Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Wore Squirrel Sweaters, Maybe” from Marie Claire
- “Amazon Is Packed with Festive Outdoor Christmas Decorations” from People
- “How to get through a holiday party at work without embarrassing yourself” from NPR

We’ll be back with new episodes on Jan. 8. Until then, if you’ve got a question, comment or submission for a state drink, send them our way. We’re at 508-UB-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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President Biden has asked Congress to pass a hefty aid package for the war in Ukraine and other defense initiatives, but the funding can’t seem to get through the Senate. We’ll hear the president implore lawmakers to act swiftly and get into why the package is being held up. Plus, the ballet of federal regulators and Wall Street banks continues. And, Google introduced its new AI model called Gemini. Among other capabilities, it can see!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “As Ukraine aid falters in the Senate, Biden signals he’s willing to make a deal on border security” from AP News
- “Is a recession on the horizon? More bank CEOs think so” from CNN Business
- “Introducing Gemini: Google’s most capable AI model yet” from Google
- Video: “Hands-on with Gemini: Interacting with multimodal AI” on YouTube
- “Tommy Tuberville ends blockade of 400 military promotions” from The Guardian

Join us tomorrow for our last Economics on Tap of 2023! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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Today we’re geeking out over the bond market. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note has dropped from a few weeks ago and now sits close to 4.1%. We’ll unpack what a bond market rally could mean for the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision-making as well as for the average American. Plus, what happens when someone says they intend to abuse their power? We’ll get into former President Donald Trump’s remarks at an Iowa town hall last night.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “United States Rates & Bonds” from Bloomberg
- “Former House speaker Kevin McCarthy to resign from Congress at end of year” from The Guardian
- “Tuberville drops hold on military promotions” from NPR
- “Trump’s ‘dictator’ remark jolts the 2024 campaign — and tests his GOP rivals on debate day” from Politico
- “She spent a month trying to help stray dog whose head was stuck in a jug” from The Washington Post
- “Woman who threw Chipotle order at worker can work off jail time at fast food restaurant” from Fox8
- Sailor Cole Brauer on Instagram

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We’re less than a year out from the 2024 presidential election. And former President Donald Trump is still leading the pack of Republican candidates, by a lot.

This has us wondering: What would another Trump presidency mean for the economy?

On the show today, William Howell, professor of American politics at the University of Chicago explains how Trump’s plans to weaken the federal bureaucracy could disrupt the economy, how the former president’s proposals on immigration and Obamacare could go over, and what voters see in his economic agenda. Plus, what this could all mean for our democracy.

Then, we’ll get into a major data breach at the genetic testing company 23andMe. And, Moody’s lowered China’s credit outlook to negative. We’ll unpack what that means for China and what it has to do with political dysfunction in the U.S.

Later, thoughts on COP28 and some impressive Spotify Wrapped stats. Plus, what the owner of a gift wrapping service had wrong when she started her business.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Where Donald Trump stands on taxes, the economy” from The Washington Post
- “The Republican Party’s Split on Economics” from The New York Times
- “Trump’s plans if he returns to the White House include deportation raids, tariffs and mass firings” from AP News
- “Some Republicans sound alarm after Trump revives focus on Obamacare” from CNN Politics
- “Why the Supreme Court’s “administrative state” decision matters” from Marketplace
- “What Trump’s Second Term Could Look Like” from The Atlantic
- “Moody’s Cuts China Credit Outlook to Negative on Rising Debt” from Bloomberg
- “Why invest in gold when the economic outlook isn’t great?” from Marketplace
- “Data Breach at 23andMe Affects 6.9 Million Profiles, Company Says” from The New York Times
- “23andMe confirms hackers stole ancestry data on 6.9 million users” from TechCrunch

If you’ve got a question, comment or submission for a state drink, send them our way. We’re at 508-UB-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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The U.S. population is aging as Americans choose to have fewer children or none at all. We’ll get into the many reasons millennials hesitate to jump into motherhood and how to change the narrative around parenting. Plus, fewer children mean fewer people to take care of our aging population in a country already dealing with a senior care crisis. And, Patti LaBelle’s infamous performance of “This Christmas” at the 1996 National Christmas Tree Lighting makes us smile.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Aging America faces a senior care crisis” from Axios
- “How millennials learned to dread motherhood” from Vox
- Threads post from Business Insider’s Kali Hays
- “Patti LaBelle’s Disastrous Tree Lighting Performance Is the Only Good Christmas Tradition” from Esquire
- “Kiwi Eggs Hatch in the Wild Near New Zealand’s Capital” from the New York Times

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The future of beer is here. “How We Survive” host Amy Scott is on the show today to help us taste test beer brewed from recycled water. And we’ll get into George Santos’ expulsion from the House and why his lies and luxurious spending were particularly provoking. Then we’ll weigh in on Walmart’s creative spin on holiday romcoms and more in a game of Half Full / Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Water, water, everywhere” from Marketplace
- “Rep. George Santos expelled from House in 311-114 vote” from AP News
- “The Undoing of George Santos” from The New York Times
- “Why George Santos’ lies are even worse than the usual political lies – a moral philosopher explains” from The Conversation
- “New North Carolina bar offers cocktails and college classes” from Marketplace
- “Beyoncé, Taylor Swift films mean big business for movie theaters” from Marketplace
- “How Mortadella Went From Cold Cut to Hot Item” from The New York Times
- “Watch, Shop and Swoon with Walmart’s First Fully Shoppable Series” from Yahoo News
- “I’m Serious: Drive to the Airport for the People You Love” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Thanksgiving Travel: No One Should Pick You Up at the Airport” from The Wall Street Journal

Got a question for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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It’s day one of COP28, the global climate conference, and countries have already agreed on details for a fund to aid developing countries affected by climate disasters. As wealthier nations begin paying for their contributions to the climate crisis, how long will their support last? Plus, we’ll hear a Fed Chair’s divisive turkey analogy for what happens when interest rates are too high for too long. And, why brands are extending those Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “COP28 leader Sultan Al Jaber hits back at allegations he used climate talks to strike oil deals” from CNN
- “COP28 delivers breakthrough by way of climate disaster fund details” from CNBC
- “The long-expected consumer pullback may finally be materializing” from “Marketplace”
- “George Santos Says He Won’t Resign Ahead of This Week’s Expulsion Vote” from National Review
- “House Ethics Committee report on George Santos finds ‘substantial evidence‘ of wrongdoing” from CBS News
- “Johnson says he has ‘real reservations’ over expelling Santos as GOP support grows for ousting New York congressman” from CNN
- “Chicago Fed chair on the data versus the economic mood” from “Marketplace:

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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General Motors is planning higher-octane cash returns for investors in an attempt to restore confidence in its main gig — making vehicles that are not electric. We’ll get into what this could signal for the broader EV industry. And, many of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s regulatory powers are on the line in a current Supreme Court case. We’ll examine what the case has to do with conservative justices’ disdain for the administrative state. Plus, a National Spelling Bee champion’s secret to success.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “GM Plans $10 Billion Stock Buyback in Bid to Assuage Investors” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Supreme Court’s conservatives voice concerns about SEC’s in-house enforcement” from The Hill
- “Supreme Court to consider multi-pronged constitutional attack on SEC” from SCOTUSblog
- “Major OxyContin case headlines December session” from SCOTUSblog
- Opinion | “I won the National Spelling Bee. This is what it takes to master spelling.” from The Washington Post

If you’ve got a question, comment or submission for a state drink, send them our way. We’re at 508-UB-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Americans consume a lot of stuff and in turn produce a lot of waste. The average American generated 46 pounds of just e-waste in 2019. But what if there was a way to design an economy that’s less wasteful and more environmentally friendly? On the show today, Callie Babbitt, professor of sustainability at Rochester Institute of Technology, breaks down the circular economy, its role in fighting climate change and the challenges that lie ahead in public policy and manufacturing if we hope to achieve circularity. We’ll also hear from a listener with a smart hack for airport pickups during the holidays, and our beloved intern answers the Make Me Smart question.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “The right-to-repair movement is just getting started” from The Verge
- “What is a Circular Economy?” from the Environmental Protection Agency
- “Our prosperity is in peril unless we shift from a wasteful world to a ‘circular economy'” from The Conversation
- “World’s Oldest Sealed Terrarium by David Latimer” from Nature of Home
- “Investors See Interest-Rate Cuts Coming Soon, Recession or Not” from The Wall Street Journal
- “17 top-selling items for Amazon Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2023” from About Amazon

It’s Giving Tuesday! Let’s unlock $100,000 for Marketplace today.

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After being banned from talking about artificial intelligence at Thanksgiving, guest host Matt Levin is eager to chime in on the ongoing Sam Altman controversy and news about a powerful artificial intelligence development at OpenAI. Plus, tech tycoons are behaving more and more like foreign dignitaries. And: Doritos’ new crunch-cancellation technology.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Unpacking the hype around OpenAI’s rumored new Q* model” from MIT Technology Review
- “OpenAI researchers warned board of AI breakthrough ahead of CEO ouster, sources say” from Reuters
- “Elon Musk Meets With Netanyahu in Israel Amid Backlash Against Social Media Post” from The New York Times
- “What’s Merriam-Webster’s word of the year for 2023? Hint: Be true to yourself” from AP News
- “The sound of crunching chips is annoying. Doritos has made a silencer.” from The Washington Post

Help us get a head start on our Giving Tuesday challenge to unlock $100K for Marketplace.

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This month, at least 12 members of Congress have announced they won’t seek reelection at the end of their terms. We’ll get into the record number of retirements and why the job might not be worth the trouble. Then, we’ll discuss how OpenAI’s leadership turmoil might be a turning point for the artificial intelligence industry. Plus, a St. Louis football team’s failed attempt to become a Thanksgiving game day staple.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Larry Summers Is OpenAI’s Surprise Pick to Mend Fences” from The Wall Street Journal
- “The Old-School Artillery Shell Is Becoming High Tech” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Frustrated lawmakers run for the exits: ‘DC is broken'” from The Hill
- “2 more House lawmakers announce exits, marking retirement record” from Politico
- “Before Dallas ruled Thanksgiving, the NFL tried St. Louis” from The Washington Post
- “Identifying fake news will now be a school requirement in California” from KTLA

If you’ve got a question, comment or submission for a state drink, send them our way. We’re at 508-UB-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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The holiday shopping season kicks off this week with Black Friday, and American shoppers are expected to spend a record amount, particularly in online sales.

Consumer spending keeps the U.S. economy humming, making up 70% of the country’s gross domestic product. But it wasn’t always this way.

On the show today, Cornell economic historian Louis Hyman gives us a history lesson on how the American economy became dependent on the consumer, why that change has created serious environmental consequences, and whether there are alternatives to the consumer-driven economy we know today. Plus, what it all has to do with the Salem witch trials.

Then, a federal appeals court decision could significantly weaken the Voting Rights Act. We’ll get into the economic implications of the ruling and how it could play out in the Supreme Court. Plus: Oh, how the mighty crypto kings fall.

Later, we’ll hear listener suggestions for signature state cocktails. And food journalist Francis Lam was wrong about what was on the menu at the first Thanksgiving.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Ringing in the holiday shopping season with low consumer sentiment” from Marketplace
- “A Brief History of Consumer Culture” from The MIT Press Reader
- “Frank Trentmann: How Humans Became ‘Consumers'” from The Atlantic
- “U.S. Economy Grew a Strong 4.9%, Driven by Consumer Spree That May Not Last” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Appeals court strikes down key tool used to enforce Voting Rights Act” from CNN Politics
- “Federal appeals court ruling threatens enforcement of the Voting Rights Act” from Politico
- “Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao Agrees to Step Down, Plead Guilty” from The Wall Street Journal
- “What Was Eaten at the First Thanksgiving?” from History

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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In this tight labor market, a growing number of companies are trying to discourage workers from quitting by charging them. Stay or pay clauses are becoming a thing in more workplaces. We’ll talk about who really bears the cost of calling it quits. Plus, how Federal Reserve economists are taking a page from journalists. And Snoop Dogg, the master marketer!

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Federal Reserve Seeks Anecdotes Over Economic Data for Uncertain Outlook” from Bloomberg
- “The Stay-or-Pay Clause That Demands You Pay to Quit Your Job” from The New York Times
- “Snoop explains going smokeless – and it’s not what you thought” from CNN
- “Thanksgiving Travel: No One Should Pick You Up at the Airport” from The Wall Street Journal

If you’ve got a question, comment or submission for a state drink, send them our way. We’re at 508-UB-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace

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Since Oct. 7, Palestinian and Jewish Americans have been navigating work while enduring anxiety and heartache as the Israel-Hamas War plays out. We’ll discuss the pressure to perform professionally as the conflict continues. And there’s some hopeful climate news out of Portugal: The country ran on 100% renewable energy for six days. Plus, we’re settling the debate on the least-liked Thanksgiving side dish in a round of Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “If Gaza were in your city, how much would be destroyed? | Israel-Palestine conflict News” from Al Jazeera
- “Palestinian Americans on working while grieving: ‘How many days off do you take when Gaza’s bombed daily?’” from The Guardian
- “Portugal just ran on 100% renewables for six days in a row” from Canary Media
- “Sam Altman fired as CEO of OpenAI” from The Verge
- “As streaming services search for ad revenue, expect more political ads — and minimal regulation” from Marketplace
- “Meta allows Facebook and Instagram ads saying 2020 election was rigged” from The Guardian
- “Have dating apps lost their spark?” from Marketplace
- “Martha Stewart Says She’s Canceled Her Thanksgiving Dinner: ‘Turkeyed Out!'” from People
- “The 3 Most-Hated Thanksgiving Side Dishes In America” from Huffpost

Got a question for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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It’s been a wild week on Capitol Hill. GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma and Teamsters union President Sean O’Brien almost came to blows in a Senate hearing. And Republicans averted a government shutdown, but only to push the deadline to next year. We’ll dig into the historically low congressional productivity amid a growing mountain of work. And we’ll hear President Joe Biden’s remarks about meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Plus, a look at YouTube’s AI musical experiment.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “GOP senator challenges Teamsters president to fight during hearing” from The Hill
- “Did Biden and China’s Xi hit a reset? Not quite, but they agreed on a few things” from NPR
- “Take heart, it looks like China could send new pandas to the US” from The Associated Press
- “Government shutdown: Senate passes temporary plan before Thanksgiving” from USA Today
- “An early look our AI Music experiment” from YouTube

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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Elon Musk today disputed claims that an initial public offering is in the works for his satellite business Starlink, an offshoot of SpaceX. But hypothetically speaking, would more eyes on Starlink following an IPO change the way Elon Musk operates on the global stage? And, an influential liberal super PAC is ditching TV ads. We’ll get into what that tells us about political campaigning in the modern age. Plus, let the holiday party invites start flowing!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Elon Musk denies report of potential Starlink IPO in 2024” from Reuters
- “SpaceX Gets FAA Approval for Do-Over Starship Launch” from Bloomberg
- “Liberal Super PAC Is Turning Its Focus Entirely Digital” from The New York Times
- “More Americans are getting news on TikTok, in contrast with most other social media sites” from Pew Research Center
- “The case for inviting everyone to everything” from Vox
- “A Guide to the James Webb Telescope’s View of the Universe” from The New York Times
- “A Supernova ‘Destroyed’ Some of Earth’s Ozone for a Few Minutes in 2022” from The New York Times

Got a question for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Many of the world’s largest companies are setting net-zero climate goals, and they’re using carbon credits to get there. That means they can keep producing carbon emissions as long as they pay for emissions to be reduced elsewhere.

But do carbon credits actually incentivize companies to reduce their emissions?

On the show today, Pedro Martins Barata, associate vice president for carbon markets at the Environmental Defense Fund, explains what carbon credits are and the ethical concerns with companies relying on them to meet net-zero emissions goals. Plus, what future regulation of carbon markets could look like.

Then, we’ll unpack the good and bad news in the latest U.S. climate assessment. And, some industries are compensating for widespread staffing shortages by requiring employees to work excessive overtime.

Later, we’ll hear about how some farmers are combating climate change. And, this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question was inspired by a listener.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Fossil-fuel company net zero plans ‘largely meaningless,’ report says” from Reuters
- “Carbon credit speculators could lose billions as offsets deemed ‘worthless’” from The Guardian
- “The Climate Solution Actually Adding Millions of Tons of CO2 Into the Atmosphere” from ProPublica
- “Analysis: How some of the world’s largest companies rely on carbon offsets to ‘reach net-zero’” from Carbon Brief
- “Action needed to make carbon offsets from forest conservation work for climate change mitigation” from Science
- “Carbon offsets: What are they and do they work?” from CNN Business
- “36-hour shifts, 80-hour weeks: Workers are being burned out by overtime” from NBC News
- “US climate assessment lays out growing threats, opportunities as temperatures rise” from Reuters
- “Farm fields don’t just feed us. They store carbon. But a big question is how much” from AP News

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Marvel Studios’ latest movie, “The Marvels,” had the franchise’s worst opening weekend. We’ll dig into whether superhero movies are a thing of the past and if theaters can get by without them. Then, another government shutdown may be around the corner. This time it could interfere with Thanksgiving travel plans. Plus, news you can use about online payment apps, and what would be your state’s signature cocktail?

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “‘The Marvels’ Disappoints at Box Office, Showcasing Disney’s Studio Challenge” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Payments app Zelle begins refunds for imposter scams after Washington pressure” from Reuters
- “Thanksgiving shutdown sets up nightmare scenario for travels” from The Hill
- “Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon Falls to a Five-Year Low” from The New York Times
- “Wisconsin snubs bourbon by elevating the brandy old fashioned to state cocktail status” from AP News
- A Michelada recipe from The Los Angeles Times

If you’ve got a question, comment or submission for a state drink, send them our way. We’re at 508-UB-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org

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We’re discussing some heavy topics today, including threats to democracy from Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump, and traditional Republicans bowing out of reelection as the party heads further to the right. Then, we’ll reflect on how we should honor our veterans. Later, we’ll weigh in on an Elon Musk biopic and a global Starbuck expansion in a game of Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Trump suggests he or another Republican president could use Justice Department to indict opponents” from CBS News
- “Moody’s cuts U.S. outlook to negative, citing deficits and political polarization” from CNBC
- “Manchin, Romney Introduce Bipartisan Fiscal Stability Act” from Senate.gov
- “Soft saving trends reshape Gen Z, millennials’ personal finance goals” from CNBC
- “Hot desking gains popularity among employers” from Marketplace
- “Why is Starbucks opening more stores?” from Marketplace
- “Elon Musk Biopic Enters Development at A24 Under Darren Aronofsky” from Rolling Stone
- “Why isn’t there an Amazon for real estate?” from Marketplace

Got a question for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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After 118 days, the SAG-AFTRA strike appears to have come to an end, marking a historic win for actors. We’ll hear from the union’s president, Fran Drescher, about her delight with the new deal. Also, what Fed chief Jay Powell’s recurring message on interest rates says about economic belief versus reality. Plus, it’s the beginning of the end for panda diplomacy, as D.C. bids farewell to its cuddly friends.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Powell Closes The F—— Door On Early Rate Cut Hopes: Stocks, Bonds Tumble While Dollar Rallies” from Business Insider
- “Treasury’s Yellen calls Republican effort to cut IRS funding for Israel ‘damaging and irresponsible'” from AP News
- “Why did Speaker Mike Johnson disclose zero assets?” from Marketplace
- “As Pandas Leave National Zoo, Is Panda Diplomacy Over?” from The New York Times
- Video: “SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher reacts to historic actors’ agreement” from CNN
- “SAG-AFTRA Approves Deal to End Historic Strike” from Variety

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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High interest rates are making our already enormous national debt more expensive, and many economists are worried. We’ll discuss what it may cost to get the national debt under control. Plus, a referendum to replace Maine’s two main power companies with a publicly owned alternative was shot down in yesterday’s election. And, the James Webb Space Telescope is revolutionizing the way we see the universe.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “What it would cost to stabilize the soaring national debt” from Axios
- “Maine voters reject utility takeover after heavy spending from CMP and Versant” from Bangor Daily News
- “What the Failed Pine Tree Power Proposal in Maine Could Have Accomplished” from CNET
- “More states strive to make parks, trails accessible to people with disabilities” from Stateline
- “A Guide to the James Webb Telescope’s View of the Universe” from The New York Times

Got a question for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Today we’re talking about another potential tool in the climate solutions toolbox: carbon capture.

The 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law put $12 billion toward the tech, which promises to take carbon emissions straight from the air and store them underground. But there are concerns that supporting the fledgling industry could backfire.

On the show today, Inside Climate News’ Nicholas Kusnetz explains the ins and outs of carbon capture and the challenges of making it work on a scale big enough to be meaningful. Plus, how investing in the tech could prolong dependence on fossil fuels.

Then, studios want to own actors’ digital likenesses forever, and that’s a sticking point for SAG-AFTRA in the actors strike. We’ll get into what this has to do with trends in the generative AI industry. And, some news about former President Donald Trump’s net worth that made us say, “Huh?”

Later, we’ll hear from listeners about hydrogen fuel cell cars and shower design flaws. Plus, what a listener got wrong about the climate crisis.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Pipe Dreams” from Inside Climate News
- “How Does Carbon Capture Work?” from The New York Times
- “Controversial carbon removal technology just got $1.2 billion from the Biden administration” from The Verge
- “Carbon Capture” from MIT Climate Portal
- “Companies capture a lot of CO2. Most of it is going into new oil.” from The Washington Post
- “SAG-AFTRA won’t budge as studios push to own actors’ likenesses in perpetuity” from The Verge
- “OpenAI unveils personalized AI apps as it seeks to expand its ChatGPT consumer business” from Reuters
- “As shutdown looms, US House Republicans search for stopgap solution” from Reuters
- “Donald Trump Net Worth Reaches $3.1 Billion Amid Trial” from Bloomberg
- “How We Survive” from Marketplace

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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SpaceX is on track to make record profits this year, particularly through its Starlink satellite program. With the reins of this powerful company in the hands of a celebrity entrepreneur, has that celebrity, Elon Musk, become invincible? We’ll also dig into the details of the U.S. birthrate. As it turns out, being an only child did not become the norm we expected it would be. And we’ll learn about the physicist who’s created over 1,000 Wikipedia bios for neglected female scientists.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Millennials aren’t having kids. Here are the reasons why” from The Washington Post
- “SpaceX Eyes $15 Billion in Sales Next Year on Starlink Strength” from Bloomberg
- “This 33-year-old made more than 1,000 Wikipedia bios for unknown female scientists” from NBC News
- “Why it’s so hard for women’s bios to stay on Wikipedia” from Marketplace
- “Electric Planes, Once a Fantasy, Start to Take to the Skies” from The New York Times

Do you have a question that you want to ask us or a comment on something we talked about? Call us at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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A new United Nations report found that wealthy nations are scaling back funding for climate adaptation in developing countries, while the cost of mitigating the effects of climate change continue to grow. We’ll get into it. And, the Federal Trade Commission’s antitrust lawsuit against Amazon revealed a secret pricing algorithm used by the company, known as Project Nessie. We’ll unpack how the algorithm has amassed huge profits for Amazon while raising prices across the board. Then, we’ll play a round of Half Full / Half Empty with guest host Amy Scott.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Critics: Tuberville is just the face of a ‘broken’ confirmation process” from Roll Call
- “Amazon made more than $1B using secret algorithm called ‘Project Nessie,’ FTC says” from The Hill
- “Developing countries need at least $215 billion a year for climate adaptation” from Grist
- Adaptation Gap Report 2023 from UN Environment Programme
- “Rewriting the rules for the Colorado River’s management” from Marketplace
- “Why small phones are hard to find” from Marketplace
- “Super Commuting Is on the Rise, Thanks to Flexibility of Hybrid Work” from Business Insider
- “Are your company’s cybersecurity trainings a waste of your time?” from Marketplace
- “Brains and Losses: Aging and Financial Vulnerability to Scams” from Marketplace
- “Do We Really Need Tequila From Celebrities Like Matthew McConaughey?” from Eater
- “The Beatles’ ‘Now and Then’: The Band’s ‘Last’ Song” from The New York Times

Got a question for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Hey Smarties! We recorded today’s episode before the news of Sam Bankman-Fried’s conviction came out. We’ll continue to monitor the story.

This week, President Joe Biden signed a sweeping executive order on the safety of artificial intelligence, and world leaders (plus Elon Musk) met to discuss the risks of the rapidly developing technology for the first time. We’ll get into what future AI regulation could look like as governments agree to cooperate. And, we’ll hear from Target’s CEO on trends in consumer spending. Plus, Sen. Tuberville’s block on military promotions is reaching a boiling point. Now, his own party is turning on him.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “How much AI regulation can come from the president?” from Marketplace
- “UK, US, EU and China sign declaration of AI’s ‘catastrophic’ danger” from The Guardian
- “Target CEO says shoppers are pulling back, even on groceries” from CNBC
- “Sam Bankman-Fried’s fourth day on the stand did not go well” from CNN
- “Sam Bankman-Fried Is Convicted of Fraud in FTX Collapse” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Republican Sen. Tuberville doubles down on blocking military nominees despite GOP pleas” from ABC News
- “Playbook: Tommy Tuberville vs. everybody” from Politico

Join us for Make Me Smart Virtual Trivia on Nov. 9! Give $5 or more and the link will be in your confirmation email: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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Two prominent Republican representatives announced they won’t seek reelection at the end of their terms in Congress. We’ll get into the future of the GOP, as former President Donald Trump continues to drive a wedge in the party’s identity. Also, how the verdict in a case involving the National Association of Realtors could upend the way we buy and sell homes. Plus, a breakthrough gene therapy treatment is allowing some deaf children to hear for the first time. And, coming clean about hotel showers.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “House GOP’s Israel-IRS bill could add more than $26 billion to deficit: CBO” from The Hill
- “US jury finds realtors liable for inflating commissions, awards $1.78 bln damages” from Reuters
- “Thanks to a Missouri jury, how we buy and sell homes may change” from Marketplace
- “After Losing High-Profile Verdict, Realtors Group Hit With Larger Lawsuit on Agent Commissions” from CoStar
- “Republicans Kay Granger, Ken Buck announce they won’t seek reelection” from CNBC
- “Buck says GOP is ‘lying to America’ and he won’t run again” from Roll Call
- “Deaf since birth, some children in China can hear after gene treatment” from MIT Technology Review
- “We’ve Used Showers for Centuries. Why Can’t Hotels Make Them Easier?” from The Wall Street Journal

Got a question for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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When it comes to solutions to the climate crisis, we’re going to need a whole menu of options. One item on the menu: clean hydrogen.

The Joe Biden administration recently invested $7 billion into developing clean hydrogen hubs across the country, with hopes the technology could help reduce carbon emissions in a variety of industries.

“Many people call it a Swiss Army knife of decarbonization,” said Emily Pontecorvo, staff writer at Heatmap News. “But the problem of thinking of it that way is that it takes so much energy to make hydrogen that you really only want to use it in cases where you don’t really have any other options.”

On the show today, Pontecorvo explains the difference between “clean” and “dirty” hydrogen, how we might use hydrogen fuel, and why some climate advocates are skeptical of its climate friendliness.

Then, the other labor story of the summer: rounds of walkouts by pharmacy staff at CVS and Walgreens. And we’ll get into how Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s ongoing military promotion blockade has complicated a top military official’s health emergency.

Later, we’ll hear a listener’s concerns about nuclear energy. And another listener was wrong about which countries export petroleum (until they played Tradle).

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Biden’s Big Hydrogen Experiment Is About to Begin” from Heatmap News
- “White House puts $7 billion toward hydrogen hubs” from Marketplace
- “The race to scale up green hydrogen” from Financial Times
- “Column: Hydrogen is a crucial climate solution. It’s also a distraction” from The Los Angeles Times
- “What is hydrogen, and can it really become a climate change solution?” from The Conversation
- “Biden administration invests in hydrogen fuel, but hurdles remain” from Marketplace
- “Top Marine General Hospitalized After Apparently Having Heart Attack” from The New York Times
- “CVS and Walgreens pharmacy staff begin 3-day walkout” from CNN

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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A $14.3 billion Israel aid package from the House GOP is in the works, and some Republican representatives are looking into unconventional ways to fund it. We’ll get into where U.S. military aid usually ends up and who stands to make a profit from global conflict. Plus, how the media coverage leading up to the 2024 election often makes false equivalencies between the speaking abilities of former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “House GOP announces standalone $14.3 billion Israel aid package, setting up Senate clash — Live Updates” from Politico
- “Ukraine war orders starting to boost revenues for big US defense contractors” from Reuters
- “Israel’s Economy Set to Shrink 11% as Hamas War Escalates: JPMorgan” from Bloomberg
- “Trump’s Verbal Slips Could Weaken His Attacks on Biden’s Age” from The New York Times
- “‘I had no idea I’d become a national event’: Orson Welles on the mass hysteria of The War of the Worlds” from BBC Culture

Do you have a question that you want to ask us or a comment about something we talked about? Call us at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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The National Labor Relations Board is redefining what it means to be an employer by changing the so-called joint-employer rule. We’ll explain how the change could impact the rights of contract and franchise workers across many industries, from tech to fast food. And, polling numbers on congressional approval are sinking lower and lower. Plus, are SEO-bait names and bloated movie runtimes the new norms? We’ll get into it in a round of Half Full / Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “New labor rule could be a big deal for millions of franchise and contract workers. Here’s why.” from CBS News
- “NLRB joint-employer rule triggers fears of higher trucking costs” from FreightWaves
- “Congress’ Job Approval Drops to 13%, Lowest Since 2017” from Gallup
- “‘Overemployed’ people secretly work overlapping remote jobs” from Marketplace
- “Why it feels like movies are getting longer” from CNN
- “In tight labor market, businesses practice ‘strategic retention'” from Marketplace
- “Do CEOs make too much money?” from Marketplace
- “The restaurant nearest Google” from The Verge
- “Halloween 2023: Costumes fuel expected record holiday spending” from Axios

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.

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There’s been a lot of talk about the ever-growing U.S. federal deficit lately. That discussion has largely revolved around spending cuts. But the flip side of the issue— that is, increasing revenue — is largely ignored. We’ll get into what increasing the government’s revenue could look like and how an approaching expiration date for some Trump-era tax cut provisions could impact taxpayers in the coming years. Also, we’ll hear from UAW President Shawn Fain about the union’s tentative deal with Ford and the outsized CEO salaries that made headlines this year.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “UAW President Shawn Fain: We’ve got a tentative deal with Ford” from Detroit Free Press
- “CD282: Chaos Fires McCarthy” from Congressional Dish
- “Pentagon spending stuck in neutral even as lawmakers back budget boost” from Politico
- “Do CEOs make too much money?” from Marketplace
- “Let’s talk about revenue and the budget deficit” from Marketplace
- “The Problem With a $2 Trillion Deficit” from The New York Times podcast “The Daily”

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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After a three-week vacancy, House Republicans elected Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana speaker. We’ll give you the rundown on who Johnson is and what his far-right associations could mean for the challenging weeks ahead in Congress. And, on the other side of the Capitol rotunda, senators are working on new ways to end Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s military promotion blockade. Plus, a 14-year-old scientist’s cancer-fighting bar of soap.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “5 things to know about Speaker Mike Johnson” from The Hill
- “McCarthy’s fundraising guru will back newly anointed Speaker Mike Johnson” from Politico
- “Mike Johnson is the least experienced House speaker in 140 years” from Axios
- “Virginia teen named top young scientist for cancer-fighting soap” from The Washington Post
- “Senators prep proposal to go around Tuberville’s holds” from Politico

Got a question for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Hey Smarties! Today we’re bringing you a special episode of “Marketplace Morning Report” that dives into what the video game industry can teach us about the economy, from the socioeconomic hurdles that keep many young people from breaking into the field to the economics at work in many games. It’s part of the “Skin in the Game” series from David Brancaccio and the “Marketplace Morning Report” team, which explores how the massive industry can help us understand economics, business, money and careers.

Do you have a question or comment about the video game industry? Call us at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Without a speaker in the House of Representatives, Congress isn’t getting much work done. That includes progress on the farm bill, which is up for renewal this year. We’ll get into what potential cuts to the farm bill could mean and some of the bill’s past shortcomings. Plus, a new study found that the West Antarctic ice sheet will continue to melt faster despite serious action on climate change. Also, we say goodbye to a record holder who was a very good boy.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “House Ag Dems fight farm bill cuts” from Politico
- “Introducing “How We Survive: The Worth of Water”’ from Marketplace
- “Crop insurance costs soar over time, reaching a record high in 2022″ from Environmental Working Group
- “Faster Melting of West Antarctic Ice Sheet Is ‘Unavoidable’” from Bloomberg
- “Jump scares are declining in horror movies — but the scariest remain” from The Washington Post
- “Bobi, world’s oldest dog ever, dies at 31 (or about 217 in dog years)” from ABC News

Do you have a question that you want to ask us or a comment about something we talked about? Call us at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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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.

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New York Mayor Eric Adams doesn’t speak Mandarin. But with AI he can. Some New Yorkers may have received a robocall of the mayor speaking in their native tongue. Is this a golden opportunity or ethical dilemma? Plus, we’ll hear the latest on the Federal Reserve’s fight against inflation, and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen answers questions on financially supporting Israel and Ukraine.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Powell Says Strong Economic Data ‘Could Warrant’ Higher Rates” from The New York Times
- Climate protesters disrupt Jay Powell’s speech from Elisabeth Buchwald on X
- “Heating costs should be down this winter for natural gas users” from Marketplace
- “Janet Yellen: America can ‘certainly’ afford to support Israel and Ukraine, US Treasury secretary says” from Sky News
- “How much aid does the US give to Israel?” from USA Facts
- “Can New York’s mayor speak Mandarin? No, but with AI he’s making robocalls in different languages” from AP News
- “Tongue Twisted: Adams Taps AI to Make City Robocalls in Languages He Doesn’t Speak” from The City
- “NYC Mayor Eric Adams uses AI to make robocalls in languages he doesn’t speak” from The Verge

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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COVID-19 drug Paxlovid will soon hit the commercial market, and it won’t be cheap. We’ll talk about what the change means for patients and the drug’s accessibility. Plus, drone drug delivery is coming to certain rural communities. Also, in one woman’s case, a new pet is just what the doctor ordered.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Introducing “How We Survive: The Worth of Water”‘ from Marketplace
- “Pfizer Prices Covid Drug Paxlovid at $1,400 for a Five-Day Course” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Price of lifesaving Covid-19 antiviral Paxlovid expected to rise next year, raising concerns about access” from CNN
- “Rite Aid’s bankruptcy reflects how much drugstores have changed” from Marketplace
- “Biden administration announces ‘largest ever’ investment in US electric grid” from The Verge
- “Amazon begins delivering medications by drone in Texas” from CNBC
- “Robin Sipes was feeling sad. Her doctor prescribed her a cat.” from The Washington Post
- “Here are the Top 10 most popular Halloween candies, according to Instacart” from CBS News

Got a question for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Despite a long period of relative stagnation, nuclear power has remained the quiet backbone of the United States’ clean energy supply for decades. Now, the Joe Biden administration wants more from the sector as the country hustles to meet ambitious emissions goals.

Jigar Shah, the director of the Energy Department’s Loan Programs Office, said nuclear energy will only become more critical as demand for electricity surges over the next 20 years.

On the show today, Shah makes us smart about how much the country relies on nuclear energy. We’ll also discuss lessons learned from building the first nuclear reactor from scratch in decades, and how the industry plans to win over Americans who are concerned about safety and toxic waste.

Then, we’ll get into the high stakes of today’s vote for speaker of the House of Representatives. And Elon Musk’s satellite internet company Starlink is part of geopolitical conversation yet again, this time in Israel.

Later, we’ll hear from a teacher about the expectations that educators pay for classroom supplies themselves. And this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question comes from Kai Bird, co-author of “American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer.”

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Nuclear power is having a resurgence” from Axios
- “Utilities Want to Convert Coal Plants to Nuclear; Skeptics Abound” from The Wall Street Journal
- “New Georgia reactor shows benefits and costs of nuclear power” from Marketplace
- “Study identifies reasons for soaring nuclear plant cost overruns in the U.S.” from MIT News
- “Advanced Nuclear – Pathways to Commercial Liftoff” from The Department of Energy
- “NRC Certifies First U.S. Small Modular Reactor Design” from The Department of Energy
- “Playbook: Jim Jordan’s day of reckoning” from Politico
- “Google, Amazon, Apple could see antitrust bills put on hold if Jim Jordan is House speaker” from CNBC
- “Israel Latest: Musk’s Starlink Approached as Biden Readies Trip” from Bloomberg

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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A class-action lawsuit is looking to end questionable practices by the National Association of Realtors. While antitrust concerns have surrounded Realtors’ operations in the past, the association’s heavy lobbying may have prevented further investigation. We’ll talk about why this lawsuit might be different. Plus, we’ll do the numbers on the federal government’s ballooning interest bill. And, a lesson on laughter during trying times.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Realtors Face an Antitrust Reckoning” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Explain How REALTORS®, Local Broker Marketplaces Work” from the National Association of Realtors
- “National Association of Realtors” from the National Association of Realtors
- “National Assn of Realtors Profile: Summary” from OpenSecrets
- “What long-term bond yields mean for U.S. fiscal outlook” from Axios
- “Pete Davidson offered the right words about the Israel-Hamas war” from Poynter

Do you have a question that you want to ask us or a comment about something we talked about? Call us at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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The Food and Drug Administration has proposed a ban on chemicals in hair-relaxing products. We’ll explain how the passing of the rule could be a big win for Black women’s health. And the battle for the speaker of the House continues with a new nominee. Plus, we’ll play a special spooky edition of This or That, in recognition of Friday the 13th.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Exclusive: The F.D.A Is Taking Major Action To Protect Against Harmful Chemicals In Hair Products” from The Root
- “After Pressley, Brown Inquiry, FDA Proposes Ban on Harmful Chemicals in Hair Relaxers” from pressley.house.gov
- Rule regarding formaldehyde-releasing products from Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs
- “Trump Loyalist Jim Jordan Is Nominated by GOP for House Speaker” from BNN Bloomberg

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.

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After a swarm of misinformation and gruesome images took over X following Hamas’ attack on Israel, Elon Musk is now under scrutiny by the European Commission to clean up the mess. We’ll also hear how climate change may be affecting our sense of fashion. And we hear this year’s Nobel Prize-winning economist on gender disparities in the workforce.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “X’s misinformation woes get worse during the Israel-Hamas conflict” from Marketplace
- “Elon Musk’s X faces EU probe over handling of Israel-Gaza war” from The Washington Post
- “Musk given 24 hours to address graphic images of Hamas attacks” from Politico
- “How a hotter climate is changing consumers’ wants and needs” from Marketplace
- “Can I be fashionable without hurting the planet?” from Marketplace
- “Nobel Prize in economics goes to Harvard’s Claudia Goldin for her work on women in the labor market” from AP News
- The Prize in Economic Sciences 2023-Press release from The Nobel Prize
- “You Will Go to the Moon” from Moxy Früvous

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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When Elon Musk turned Twitter, now X, on it’s head, some media outlets decided to call it quits. Six months later, an internal memo at NPR says traffic has dipped only modestly. We’ll get into why Twitter may not have been the bedrock of online engagement that many had believed. And Caroline Ellison, Sam Bankman-Fried’s former adviser and girlfriend, has been testifying at his fraud trial this week. It has us thinking about how choosing a romantic partner can come with consequences. Plus, an initiative pushing back against the “tampon tax.”

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Six Months Ago NPR Left Twitter. The Effects Have Been Negligible” from Nieman Reports
- “Elon Musk told X users to follow accounts known for lies for Israel updates” from The Washington Post
- “Caroline Ellison Says She and Sam Bankman-Fried Lied for Years” from The New York Times
- The Tampon Tax Back Coalition
- “NASA Unveils First Glimpse of Space Rock Collected From Asteroid” from The New York Times

Got a question for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Today we’re checking in on what happened after almost 200 high profile CEOs signed a statement in 2019 promising to serve stakeholders like employees and consumers along with their shareholders.

Have those companies made any progress toward fulfilling those nonbinding pledges?

That’s the question Molly Kinder, a fellow at the Metropolitan Policy program at The Brookings Institution, and her co-authors wanted to answer by analyzing the decisions some of those companies made during the first two years of the pandemic.

On the show today, Kinder explains why the Business Roundtable statement made such a splash in 2019, why workers haven’t seen substantial gains since then, and how it’s connected to the latest wave of strikes.

Then, we’ll get into what schools run by the Defense Department can teach us about improving public education across the country. And some Federal Reserve officials think it’s time to cool it with the rate hikes.

Later, we look at the part of the crypto world that’s often overshadowed by grifters and a story of self-checkout woes. Plus, Charlie Sprinkman, founder of Everywhere Is Queer, answers the Make Me Smart question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Profits and the pandemic: As shareholder wealth soared, workers were left behind” from The Brookings Institution
- “Researchers say America’s top CEOs didn’t live up to their promises in Business Roundtable letter” from Fortune
- “Workers are striking across America for higher wages” from The Washington Post
- “Who Runs the Best U.S. Schools? It May Be the Defense Department.” from The New York Times
- Veteran Homelessness Fact Sheet from VA Homeless Programs
- “Fed’s Bostic Says Rates Now High Enough to Lower Inflation to 2%” from Bloomberg

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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The Biden administration sending aid to Israel after a surprise attack from Hamas. We’ll unpack how financial assistance for Israel can make or break aid for Ukraine, and how dysfunction in the House of Representatives might throw a wrench into all of it. And Tesla’s latest price cut brings fierce rivalry with gasoline cars. Plus, a real-life reenactment of “The Neverending Story” (with a happy ending this time).

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Biden Says Military Assistance Is on Its Way to Israel” from The New York Times
- “Democrats’ Sympathies in Middle East Shift to Palestinians” from Gallup
- “Tesla Prices Now Rival Average US Cars After Billions in Cuts” from Bloomberg
- “McCarthy says he would return as House speaker” from CNBC
- “Watch: Sinking horse rescued from Colorado bog” from UPI
- “We Need To Talk About Artax In ‘The Neverending Story'” from BuzzFeed

Do you have a question that you want to ask us or a comment about about something we talked about? Call us at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Interest rates are high. Bonds yields are on the rise. And money is getting more expensive. We’ll explain what this means for consumers and fiscal policymaking. Plus, NASA has ambitious plans to send civilians to the moon (and make Kimberly’s dreams come true). Later, we’ll weigh in on self-checkout aisles and magnet less refrigerators during a round of Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Pharmacies begin dispensing abortion pills” from Politico
- “Maybe in Your Lifetime, People Will Live on the Moon and Then Mars” from The New York Times
- “Chaos in Washington Feeds Americans’ Dismal View of Politics” from The New York Times
- “Gil Scott-Heron’s Poem, ‘Whitey on the Moon'” from The Atlantic
- “Why does furniture fall apart so easily?” from Marketplace
- “What are YouTube obituary pirates?” from Marketplace
- “Are Fridge Magnets ‘Lowbrow’? Appliance Manufacturers Have Decided: Yes” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Costco gold bars: Here’s what’s behind the demand” from AP News
- “Walmart, Costco, and Kroger Are Facing a Self-Checkout Reckoning” from Business Insider

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.

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Another week, another strike. This time thousands of Kaiser Permanente workers have initiated the largest healthcare strike in the country. And while different sectors of the economy have been walking off the job this summer, the demands all seemingly sound the same. We’ll also hear one CEO’s take on how AI can add more leisure time to all of our lives. And Beyonce at the box office!

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Kaiser strike: More than 75,000 health care workers walk off the job” from NPR
- “Surgery and other medical procedures are delayed by the Kaiser strike, patients say” from NBC News
- “Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour Brings In Half-Billion Dollars—But These Singers Made Even More” froom Forbes
- “Beyoncé’s Silvery, Shimmering Renaissance” from The New York Times

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Business in the U.S. House of Representatives has come to a standstill after Kevin McCarthy was removed as speaker Tuesday. Fallout has been messy, to say the least. We’ll get into what this historic moment could mean for the health of our democracy. Plus, some jobs are more at risk of being automated by AI than others. And NASA astronauts on the Artemis III mission will head to the moon in style, with a little help from Prada.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Playbook PM: Jordan and Scalise make their moves” from Politico
- “Vote to oust McCarthy as speaker is a warning sign for democracy, scholars say” from The Washington Post
- “ChatGPT provided better customer service than his staff. He fired them.” from The Washington Post
- “Malaria vaccine big advance against major child killer” from BBC News
- “Prada to Help Design Spacesuits for NASA Moon Mission” from The Wall Street Journal

Got a question for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Hey smarties! We recorded today’s episode before historic news broke that the House of representatives voted to oust Kevin McCarthy as speaker. We’re monitoring the story as it develops and as the House figures out what comes next.

IIt’s Day 1 of Sam Bankman-Fried’s trial. Last year, The founder of FTX was charged with counts of fraud and conspiracy after his crypto exchange went under and investigators found that $8 billion in customer funds had gone missing.

Before his fall from grace, SBF had become one of the most powerful players in the industry. This has us wondering: Is crypto on trial along with Sam Bankman-Fried?

On the show today, Bloomberg’s Zeke Faux, author of “Number Go Up: Inside Crypto’s Wild Rise and Staggering Fall,” explains how the trial could play out, where crypto is today and whether it has a viable future, post-SBF.

Then, we’ll hear how companies can be held accountable for the junk they leave floating in space. And automatic enrollment in retirement savings plans has given millennials a boost in an economy where they haven’t generally had a leg up.

Later, we’ll hear from one listener on the overlap between colleges and trade schools. And another listener explains why he was wrong about music.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Who’s Rooting Hardest for a Sam Bankman-Fried Conviction? The Crypto Industry.” from The New York Times
- “With SBF, Gisele, and Michael Lewis at Peak of Crypto Craze” from New York Magazine
- “What Good is Crypto If Coin Prices Don’t Go Up?” from Bloomberg
- “The FTX trial is bigger than Sam Bankman-Fried” from The Verge
- “Mountain of FTX Evidence: Emails, Chat Logs, Code and a Notebook” from The New York Times
- “Can FTX Be Revived—Without Sam Bankman-Fried?” from Wired
- “Why Black investors are more likely to own crypto” from Marketplace
- “FEMA and FCC Plan Nationwide Emergency Alert Test for Oct. 4, 2023” from FEMA
- “Dish Network Hit With Historic Fine Over Space Debris” from Gizmodo
- “Millennials on Better Track for Retirement Than Boomers and Gen X” from The Wall Street Journal

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We’re not in a government shutdown. Instead, we’re talking about consumers spending like it’s still hot girl summer. Concerts, travel and shopping sprees seem to remain a priority for many in this economy. We’ll discuss how this might be a sign of shifting attitudes around debt. Plus, there’s a market for everything — even candles for Washington, D.C., wonks!

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Trump’s understandable surprise at seeing his company in court” from The Washington Post
- “Americans Are Still Spending Like There’s No Tomorrow” from The Wall Street Journal
- Norwegian new car sales from @robbie_andrew on X
- Introducing the Government Shutdown candle

If you’ve got a question for the hosts, send them our way. We’re at 508-UB-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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It’s going to be a tense weekend on Capitol Hill. Congress not only has the government shutdown deadline to deal with, it also has deadlines that affect the Federal Aviation Administration and the farm bill. We’ll explain what’s going on. Plus, the hosts weigh in on the Taylor Swift effect and “The Golden Bachelor” in a fresh round of our favorite game: Half Full / Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Airline passengers could feel the bite as Congress nears two missed deadlines” from Politico
- “Rare Senate spat threatens farm bill push with House in shutdown chaos” from Politico
- “Biden offers dire warnings about Trump in democracy-focused address” from PBS Newshour
- “Gen. Mark Milley Warns of Fealty to Dictators, in Exit Speech Aimed at Trump” from The Wall Street Journal
- “‘The Golden Bachelor’ premiere may put some realness back in reality TV” from MSNBC
- “Reality (TV) bites” from Marketplace
- “Majority of national parks will close and annual Fat Bear Week canceled if government shuts down” from CNN
- “Bringing back the lost art of office etiquette” from Marketplace
- “Taylor Swift effect: Chiefs ticket sales increase, plus Travis Kelce sees huge spike in jersey sales” from CBS Sports
- “Restaurant diners are eating earlier than ever” from Marketplace

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We’re in the final days before a potential government shutdown, and negotiations aren’t going well. At issue is the federal government’s $6 trillion budget. But with most of that money already spoken for, only a small sliver of spending is actually up for debate. We’ll explain. And have you heard of the paper ceiling? Plus, Kai and a famous Hollywood star share their dislike for pumpkin spice!

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Biden makes history by joining striking autoworkers on the picket line” from NBC News
- “UAW threatens to expand strikes again at GM, Ford, Stellantis” from CNBC
- About STARs from Tear the Paper Ceiling
- “A few thoughts on Pumpkin Spice Season” from YouTube
- “How pumpkin spice cemented itself in American culture” from Marketplace

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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Elon Musk’s business relationship with the Pentagon is going strong. SpaceX just scored its first defense contract from the U.S. Space Force, giving Musk more control over on-off switches (see: Ukraine). We’ll get into the potential consequences of having a single private citizen like Musk so entangled in geopolitics. Plus, welcome home, astronaut Frank Rubio, and bye-bye panda cams?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Elon Musk Wins US Space Force Contract for Starshield” from Bloomberg
- “Elon Musk’s Shadow Rule” from The New Yorker
- “Retail theft isn’t actually increasing much, major industry study finds” from CNBC
- “Target says it will close nine stores in major cities, citing violence and theft” from CNBC
- “NASA astronaut Frank Rubio is home after a year in space” from Ars Technica
- “US Won’t Have Any Pandas for the First Time in 50 Years” from Bloomberg

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We’re on the brink of yet another government shutdown. If Congress fails to pass legislation to keep the federal government fully up and running past Oct. 1, it would be the country’s fourth shutdown in the last decade.

This has us wondering: Why does passing the federal budget often get so messy?

On the show today, Molly Reynolds, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, explains how the federal budget process is supposed to work, why it often breaks down and why other countries don’t seem to have the same problem. Plus, how we can make the process smoother, given the Congress we’ve got.

Then, we’ll get into why the FTC is suing Amazon and how it might shape what “monopoly” means in this day and age. Plus, is President Joe Biden’s footwear really worth a headline?

Later, how one listener is thinking about the kind of change our democracy needs. And, a Jekyll and Hyde-style mix-up involving a popular California university.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “What is a government shutdown? And why are we likely to have another one?” from Brookings
- “Biden’s budget kicks off a long and likely painful process on Capitol Hill.” from The New York Times
- “Congress has long struggled to pass spending bills on time” from Pew Research
- “Why Don’t Other Countries Have Government Shutdowns?” from Foreign Policy
- Opinion | “The Democratic Party Has an Old Problem and Won’t Admit It” from The New York Times
- “Biden campaign’s secret mission for reelection: Don’t let him trip” from Axios
- “U.S., 17 states sue Amazon alleging monopolistic practices led to higher prices” from The Washington Post
- “FTC Sues Amazon for Illegally Maintaining Monopoly Power” from The Federal Trade Commission

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Some big Republican donors are in a bind. They’ve been hoping for an alternative presidential nominee to Donald Trump to write their checks to, but now they seem to be giving up on that idea and are keeping their money on the sidelines. We’ll discuss what that means for spending in the 2024 election. Plus, what’s happened to Greece since its debt crisis? And what Kimberly discovered about cocktails and ChatGPT when she walked into a bar.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Big GOP donors hoped for an alternative to Trump. Now some are giving up” from Politico
- “Greece, Battered a Decade Ago, Is Booming” from The New York Times
- “OpenAI’s ChatGPT offers new multimodal support for images and voice search” from Axios
- “Fetterman Plans to Give Back Menendez Donation In Cash-Filled Envelopes” The Messenger
- “Mammals’ Time on Earth Is Half Over, Scientists Predict” from The New York Times

Got a question for the hosts? Send them our way. We’re at 508-UB-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Across the political spectrum, corruption seems to be the big news of the day. Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez was indicted today for taking hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes. Meanwhile, ProPublica reported that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas secretly attended Koch Network donor events that could be in violation of federal law. (And, let’s not forget the former president’s indictments.) We’ll discuss the role of the press and the Department of Justice in trying these cases. Then, we’ll play Half-Full/Half-Empty and debate whether shorts on the Senate floor should be the new norm.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Clarence Thomas Secretly Participated in Koch Network Donor Events” from ProPublica
- “FBI found gold bars in Menendez’s house, money stuffed in jackets, prosecutors say” from The Hill
- “New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez says he won’t resign” from NBC News
- “Time to brush up on the Food and Forage Act of 1861, everybody” from Washington Monthly
- “UAW will widen strike against GM and Stellantis but not Ford” from The Washington Post
- “UAW official says union creating “chaos” for automakers, leaked messages show” from Axios
- “The IRS Is Going to Know if You Sold Taylor Swift ‘Eras’ Tickets” from The Wall Street Journal
- “How do companies decide what to name AI tools?” from Marketplace
- “Spanglish branding is reaching Latino consumers” from Marketplace
- “How the orange egg yolk trend was hatched” from Marketplace
- “The Senate is relaxing its dress code. It’s caused a predictable backlash” from Vox

If you’re fan of the show, grab some merch, including half-priced hoodies this weekend! Donate $8 a month and get a cozy “Make Me Smart” hoodie just in time for fall!

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We are nine days away from another government shutdown if Congress can’t reach a spending deal. We’ll hear from Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on what a shutdown could do to our current economy. Plus, the facial recognition story that creeped out Kai. And, did you remember? We’re celebrating one of Earth, Wind & Fire’s greatest hits.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “‘Absolutely no reason’ for a government shutdown, says Treasury secretary” from MSNBC
- “Barrymore apologizes to unions for resuming show” from YouTube
- “Clearview AI could change privacy as we know it” from Marketplace
- “Earth, Wind & Fire – September” from YouTube

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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A new chatbot that uses artificial intelligence to mimic the leading candidates in the 2024 presidential race is fresh on the scene. Users can query a candidate’s avatar or conjure up a one-on-one debate. We’ll get into the potential impact of AI on future U.S. elections and what some politically engaged citizens are doing about it. Plus, we’ll explain why the wait for your morning latte at Starbucks might be getting out of hand. And Operation Santa is open for business.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Conspiracy Theorists Go Viral With Claim Sen. John Fetterman Actually Body Double” from Forbes
- “John Fetterman would be particularly hard to body-double” from The Washington Post
- “Prepare yourself. A Donald Trump chatbot is about to be unleashed.” from Politico
- “Artificial Intelligence in Campaign Ads” from the Federal Register
- “Write to Santa Today!” from the USPS
- “Why Starbucks (SBUX) Is Desperate to Reduce Your Coffee Wait Time” from Bloomberg

Got a question for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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President Biden is pitting his plan for the U.S. economy against so-called ‘MAGAnomics’, the economic ideas that defined the Trump era.

Mark Blyth, political economist at Brown University, said the clash is all about who wins and who loses as the U.S. decarbonizes.

On the show today, Blyth explains what Bidenomics actually means and why it’s not the easiest message to sell to voters. Plus, how the United States let go of its industrial base and what it will take to re-industrialize for a clean energy future.

Then, strikes across the country are putting President Biden’s pro-union reputation to the test. And, we’ll get into what rising oil prices that could mean for the Fed and the American consumer.

Later, a listener’s perspective on why many Americans don’t feel the economy is all that strong. Plus, a bonus fantasy writing vocab lesson. And, the thing you probably didn’t know about cows?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “40 years later, is this the end of Reaganomics?” from Make Me Smart
- “Opinion | What Biden Can Learn from Roosevelt’s ‘New Deal’” from The New York Times
- “Biden Administration Investment Tracker” from the Center for American Progress
- “Bidenomics and Its Contradictions” from The Wall Street Journal
- “The ‘Bidenomics’ plan, explained” from CNN Politics
- “UAW strike tests ‘Union Joe’s cred” from Politico
- “The Fed’s Next Challenge: $100 Oil” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Amazon (AMZN) to Hire 250,000 Holiday Workers, Boost Hourly Pay to $20.50” from Bloomberg

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Congress has a job to do. But lately, some of the work on the Hill seems to have come to a standstill. There’s been drama over the debt ceiling, a Republican senator is holding up key military promotions, and now a government shutdown is looming. We’ll tackle the question of who is really to blame for all the governmental dysfunction and unpack the challenges of framing these issues in the media.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Marines issue stand-down order amid search for missing F-35” from The Hill
- “Congress is in crisis. There’s no clear escape” from Politico
- “With democracy on the ballot, the mainstream press must change its ways” from The Guardian

Got a question for the hosts? Send them our way. We’re at 508-UB-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Celebrities are starting to have eerily similar smiles — flawlessly straight and pearly white teeth. But what’s the cost behind those perfect smiles? We’ll talk about yet another unrealistic beauty standard and the rise of the cosmetic dentistry industry. And the Roman Empire might be a thing of the past, but it seems that many men are still fascinated by it. We’ll get into some reasons why the ancient world power is engrained in our minds. Then, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty to settle some fashion debates.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- Watch: Marketplace’s video series “Burning Questions” from “How We Survive”
- Listen: Marketplace’s new series “Burning Questions” from “How We Survive”
- “Celebrity teeth look the same thanks to veneers, and TikTok has thoughts” from The Washington Post
- “Why don’t you fix your teeth?” from Marketplace
- “Many men think about Roman Empire frequently, TikTok trend shows. Why?” The Washington Post
- “Where did all the G-rated blockbusters go?” from Marketplace
- “Why Birkenstock’s IPO filing is encouraging for investors” from Marketplace
- “Coke’s latest mystery flavor is AI-generated” from CNN
- “This common decongestant ingredient is no better than a placebo” from Marketplace
- “Why did the Instant Pot go out of style?” from Marketplace

If you’re a fan of our livestreams, we think you’ll enjoy Marketplace’s new video series, “Burning Questions,” from the team behind “How We Survive.” If you’ve been curious about solutions to the climate crisis, give it a watch!

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In the before times, some of America’s top corporations pledged to rebalance their priorities and serve all stakeholders instead of just shareholders. Today, workers still aren’t feeling the love. We’ll get into the disconnect between employees and CEOs and explain how that’s playing out in recent labor disputes. Plus, why patrons at a Milwaukee bar are feeling that Jets win extra-hard.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Detroit automakers and auto workers remain far from a deal as end-of-day strike deadline approaches” from AP News
- “UAW tees up select strikes if no deal by deadline” from Politico
- “Nearly 200 CEOs say shareholder value is no longer a main objective” from CNBC
- Sen. Mitt Romney announces he won’t be running for office in 2024 from X
- Gurner Group founder Tim Gurner talking to the Financial Review from X
- “CEO Tim Gurner calls for more unemployment, give employers more leverage” from The Washington Post
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez responds to Tim Gurner from X
- “Property developer Tim Gurner, man behind avocado toast meme, calls for up to 50 per cent rise in unemployment” from The West Australian
- Milwaukee bar’s promotion takes a turn after the Jets win from X

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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What does air conditioning have to do with political dysfunction in Washington? Apparently, more than you’d imagine. We’ll get into the history behind AC in the halls of Congress and how that’s affected the way lawmakers do their jobs. Then, what drove Sen. Mitt Romney to call it quits? Plus, staging a career comeback isn’t easy. Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles are showing us how it’s done.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “What Mitt Romney Saw in the Senate” from The Atlantic
- “Wall Street Bet Big on Used-Car Loans for Years. Now a Crisis May Be Looming.” from ProPublica
- “‘We Put in Air Conditionin’, Stayed Year-Round, and Ruined America’” from Politico
- “Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles are modeling how to stage a career comeback” from Quartz
- “It Only Tuesday” from The Onion

Got a question for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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This year alone, lawmakers in more than two dozen states have introduced or passed legislation in favor of ranked choice voting systems, where voters rank candidates in order of preference on their ballot.

Advocates sing the praises of ranked-choice elections, claiming it could be an antidote to the United States’ extreme political polarization. Others say switching to a new voting system would be too complicated for voters.

On the show today, Maresa Strano, deputy director of political reform at New America, unpacks ranked choice voting: what it does well, where it falls short, and what our voting systems have to do with the broader economy.

Then, a new strategy for wiping out medical debt is catching the attention of some local governments. And we’ll get into why mixed signals about the U.S. economy are complicating things for the Biden campaign.

Later, a listener shares how they learned the difficulty of farm work firsthand. Plus, this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart Question comes from sci-fi writer Andy Weir, author of “The Martian.”

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“How Ranked-Choice Voting Works” from The New York Times
“What We Know About Ranked-Choice Voting” from New America
“The Hottest Political Reform of the Moment Gains Ground” from Politico
“RCV is Neither Panacea nor Catastrophe for Minority Representation” from New America
“Oregon becomes the latest state to put ranked choice voting on the ballot” from NBC News
“U.S. Incomes Fall for Third Straight Year” from The Wall Street Journal
“A new way to tackle medical debt gains traction.” from The Washington Post

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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There’s been a lot of reporting lately about a rise in retail theft and a growing shoplifting problem. But a closer look at those claims and the relevant data seems to suggest something else is going on. We also revisit the attack on the World Trade Center and consider how American unity and perceptions have changed in the past 22 years. We end with some smiles about Mother Nature and a significant discovery that could be a big deal for the clean energy economy.

- “Is retail theft really rising?” from Marketplace
- “Today, Explained: Blame Capitalism: Souring on the system” from Apple Podcasts
- “September 11, 2001 — The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” from Comedy Central
- “Spain federation president Rubiales resigns amid kiss fallout” from ESPN
- “Ancient Supervolcano in US May Hide Largest Lithium Deposit Ever Found” from Science Alert
- “In a 1st, scientists grow human kidneys inside developing pig embryos” from Live Science
- “How We Survive” from Marketplace

ICYMI: To mark our 1,000th episode, we’re giving away a free Make Me Smart bingo card to every newsletter subscriber. Sign up at marketplace.org/newsletters.

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We’re in the quadruple digits, y’all, and we’re celebrating! But first we’ll dive into the news with an exciting development on Mars — how NASA’s Perseverance space rover is generating oxygen on the Red Planet. And a new climate change report card shows that we’ve averted the worst-case scenarios, but there’s still a long way to go. Plus, we’re marking this special episode with a new game of Would You Rather featuring a special (and beloved) guest!

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Perseverance Mars rover wraps up MOXIE oxygen-making experiment” from Space
- “FAA Orders SpaceX to Take Dozens of Steps Before Future Starship Flights” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Africa proposes global carbon taxes to fight climate change” from BBC News
- “U.N. Report Card Shows World Is Far From Meeting Climate Goals” from The New York Times

Thank you to those who tuned in to the livestream. If you missed it, you can find it here. Let us know if you’ve got questions about the economy, business or technology. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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In a speech today, former Vice President Mike Pence and republican presidential candidate said the GOP is at a crossroad between conservatism and populism. We’ll get into why we’re hearing a lot less about fiscal conservatism these days. Before that, Kai gives us the skinny on his interview with Chicago Fed President and whether the central bank should raise it’s inflation target.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Chicago Fed president on future rate hikes, likelihood of recession” from Marketplace
- “Pentagon launches media blitz to combat Tuberville blockade” from Politico
- “Senate Confirmation Still in Limbo for 301 Military Leaders” from U.S. Department of Defense
- “Growing feud over Tuberville’s stand on Pentagon nominations risks Senate confirmation of nation’s top military officer” from CNN
- “Mike Pence Warns GOP Face Choice Between Conservatism and Populism” from C-SPAN
- “The Conservative Plan to Tackle Poverty” from The Atlantic

Join us tomorrow for our special 1000th episode! We’ll have news, games, and some fun surprises. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. And you’re gonna want to check out this week’s newsletter to get the party started!

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As birthrates fall and baby boomers grow older, the demographic makeup of the United States is set to drastically change in the next decade. We’ll talk about what that could mean for the modern economy. And we’ll discuss the logistics of the 14th Amendment and the budding idea that it could bar former President Donald Trump from participating in next year’s election. Plus, a step forward for women’s sports in Spain.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“I Can’t Keep Trump Off the Ballot” from The Wall Street Journal
“A clause in the Constitution may disqualify Trump from returning to the White House?” from NPR
“Trump 14th amendment debate more extensive than realized, election chief says” from Politico
“Opinion | America’s Seniors and the Challenges of Old Age” from The New York Times
“The Fastest 60-Year-Old Woman on Earth Is Only Getting Faster” from Outside Online
“‘The Boy And The Heron’ Trailer Is A Look At Hayao Miyazaki’s First Film In 10 Years” from HuffPost
“The Golden Bachelor: Everything to Know About the Bachelor Spinoff” from People
“Jorge Vilda, Coach of Spain’s Women’s Soccer Team, Is Fired” from The New York Times

“Make Me Smart” is coming up on it’s 1,000th episode! We want to hear your favorite moments from the show so far. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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We’re back from Labor Day weekend and talking about a group of laborers that’s in short supply these days: farmworkers. The people who pick the food we eat are considered the backbone of the agricultural industry. So why are they treated differently than other workers and often go without the same labor protections like overtime and the right to unionize?

On the show today, Mary Hoopes, associate law professor at the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, explains why agricultural workers were left out of the New Deal’s labor protections, what’s changed since then and the exploitative nature of temporary visa programs used to fill ongoing farm labor shortages. Where do Big Ag and American consumers fit in all of this? And will the massive 2023 Farm Bill help?

Then, we’ll get into how a drop-off in funding for many federal aid programs could impact low-income families. And projections from Bloomberg Economics show that China will probably not surpass the U.S. as the world’s largest economy by 2030, as many economists had predicted. If not 2030, when?

Later, a listener tells us about why it’s difficult to avoid single-use plastics in the health care industry. And evolutionary biologist Jonathan Losos was wrong about why cats meow.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Regulating Marginalized Labor” from the Hastings Law Journal
“The Food and Farm Bill Can Do a Lot for Workers” from the Union of Concerned Scientists
“Can the United Farm Workers of California Rise Again?” from The New York Times
“As these farmworkers’ children seek a different future, farms look for workers abroad” from NPR
“Farm Workers Exposed to Climate Change Effects Are Demanding Protections” from PBS
The incredible American retreat on government aid from The Washington Post
“A D.C. grocery store is removing Tide, Colgate and Advil to deter theft” from The Washington Post
“China Slowdown Means It May Never Overtake US Economy, Forecast Shows” from Bloomberg
“Opinion | Single-use plastics are everywhere in health care. That must change.” from The Washington Post

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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It’s college football season, and if you’re having a hard time keeping up with all the changes, you’re not alone. This week, the Atlantic Coast Conference decided to go bicoastal by adding schools really far from, well, the Atlantic Coast. We’ll explain what this is all about (spoiler: money). Plus, why a new Biden administration proposal to increase staffing at nursing homes could make a big difference. Then we’ll play a game of Half Full/Half Empty and discuss why finding love might be coming with a bigger price tag.

Here’s everything we talked about:

“Nursing Homes Must Boost Staffing Under First-Ever National Standards” from The Wall Street Journal
“ACC adds Stanford, Cal, SMU as new members beginning 2024-25” from ESPN
“Return to office means the return of the business meal” from Marketplace
“Beyoncé and Taylor Swift fans turn to fast fashion for concert attire” from Marketplace
“Dating apps flirt with premium subscriptions” from Marketplace
“The U.S. is no longer world’s leading exporter of corn” from Marketplace
“Here’s when Labor Day weekend travel is expected to hit its peak” from AP News

Next Friday is our 1,000th episode! We want to hear about your favorite moments, episodes or guests in Make Me Smart history. Call us at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Not sure how to feel about today’s economy? Perhaps putting it to music will help. Today we’re dedicating the entire show to the economic anthems of this moment. We’ll play a round of Name That Tune with songs our dear listeners submitted. Plus, Kai and Kimberly will share their song picks!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Is the current job market music to the Fed’s ears?” from Marketplace
- Bleachers: “I Wanna Get Better” on YouTube
- R.E.M.: “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (and I Feel Fine)” on YouTube
- Donna Summer: “She Works Hard for the Money” on YouTube
- “The Real Woman Behind Donna Summer’s Hit ‘She Works Hard For the Money'” from LAist
- Grateful Dead: “Truckin'” on YouTube
- “What’s your ‘economic anthem’?” from Marketplace
- Marketplace: “Your Economic Anthems” on Spotify

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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The Biden administration proposed a new rule that would extend mandatory overtime pay to millions of American workers. We’ll get into the workers who stand to benefit and how the plan could give boost to Biden’s reelection campaign. Also, seismic wave research gives us a new understanding of the war in Ukraine. Plus, Kimberly is back from vacation and fills us in on her adventures in Bhutan and Thailand.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Earthquake Sensors Document Russian Bombings in Ukraine in New Detail” from The New York Times
“What to Know About FEMA’s Nationwide Test Alert Planned for October” from The New York Times
“Department of Labor announces proposal to restore, extend overtime protections for 3.6 million low-paid salaried workers” from the Department of Labor
“Biden plan would guarantee overtime pay for 3.6 million workers” from Reuters
“HHS Calls for Moving Marijuana to Lower-Risk US Drug Category” from Bloomberg
Get a glimpse of the hiking Kimberly did in Bhutan
“Jenni Hermoso: Record goalscorer, serial swearer and icon of Spanish sport” from The Athletic

Got a question for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Plastic is just about everywhere, and there’s going to be a lot more of it. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development expects global plastic use to triple by 2060. So what are we to do with all the waste?

Tossing empty iced coffee cups, peanut butter jars and blueberry containers into a recycling bin might seem like the obvious solution. But while the plastics industry has been working hard to promote recycling as a fix since the ’70s, it turns out our recycling systems are not equipped to handle the various plastics we use.

“Think of your own home. On top of your washing machine, you probably have a bright orange, hard plastic detergent bottle. And then in your refrigerator, you might have a squeezable clear ketchup bottle. Those two plastic containers cannot be recycled together,” said Judith Enck, founder of Beyond Plastics and former regional administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

On the show today: the fundamental problems with plastic recycling and the ubiquitous chasing-arrow symbol, and what we should do about it.

Then, we’ll discuss Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo’s visit to China, and why it may be time for Chinese officials to make a visit of their own. And is Yahoo is making a comeback?

Later, we’ll hear some listeners’ thoughts on robotaxis. And this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question comes from one of the economists behind our favorite nerdy econ game, Tradle.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Plastic Recycling Doesn’t Work and Will Never Work” from The Atlantic
“Toward a circular economy: Tackling the plastics recycling problem” from The Conversation
“The recycling myth: A plastic waste solution littered with failure” from Reuters
“Decades of public messages about recycling in the US have crowded out more sustainable ways to manage waste” from The Conversation
“The Plastics Industry’s Long Fight to Blame Pollution on You” from Tahe Intercept
“What a reporter learned after cataloging her plastic use for a week” from Marketplace
“UN Agency Provides Path to 80 Percent Reduction in Plastic Waste. Recycling Alone Won’t Cut It” from Inside Climate News
“U.S. Does Not Want to ‘Decouple’ From China, Raimondo Says” from The New York Times
“How Yahoo is coming back from the dead” from Axios

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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For Americans with mortgages, homeowners insurance is a must. But for those who have paid off their homes, it’s optional. Now more and more Americans are choosing to forgo that insurance. We’ll explain what’s behind the trend and dig into the potential risks. Plus, bizarre happenings for fabled sea creatures are making us smile, including a live-action reenactment of Jonah and the Whale. And, Nessie, is that you?

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Americans Are Dropping Their Home Insurance, Claiming the Odds of Disaster Don’t Justify the Cost” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Student Loans Are Emerging From Deep Freeze, and Borrowers Are Confused” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Spanish Prosecutors Open Inquiry Into Luis Rubiales Over World Cup Kiss” from The New York Times
- “Mother of beleaguered Spanish soccer chief starts hunger strike as calls mount for his resignation” from AP News
- “Biggest Hunt for the Loch Ness Monster in 50 Years Gets Under Way” from Bloomberg
- “Whale watching: What happened when a whale swallowed me whole” from Slate

Join us tomorrow for a deep dive into the economics of recycling plastic and its shortcomings. Do you have recycling hacks? Call us at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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The Spanish women’s national team won it’s first World Cup! But the celebration has been bittersweet after Spain’s soccer chief kissed a player on the lips and is refusing to step down. We’ll discuss the fallout and what the team is doing to oust Luis Rubiales. Plus, we’ll play a game of Half Full / Half Empty with guest host Amy Scott weighing in on how LinkedIn is actually cool? But pumpkin spice lattes in August — maybe not so much.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Facebook settlement claims are due Aug. 25. How to apply for a payout” from The Washington Post
- “What’s the point of class-action lawsuits?” from Marketplace
- “Spanish Soccer Chief Rubiales Refuses to Resign Over World Cup Kiss” from The New York Times
- “Are American malls back from the brink?” from Marketplace
- “Will New York City’s Airbnb crackdown make housing more affordable?” from Marketplace
- “Subway sale could lead to closures and international expansion” from Marketplace
- “Instagram, Twitter and TikTok Upheavals Are Helping LinkedIn” from Bloomberg
- “Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte Returns Thursday—A Week After Dunkin’ And A Full Month Before Fall” from Forbes

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Consumer spending has been fairly resilient in the face of high inflation (see Taylor Swift, Beyoncé). But, the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes can pack a punch, and it’s showing up in Americans’ credit card bills. We’ll hear a bit of Macy’s quarterly earnings call and unpack what it tells us about consumer habits. And, AI is being used to give people their voices back. And, we’ll play a round of Name That Tune, economic anthem-style.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Credit card delinquencies jump past pre-pandemic levels” from Axios
“Big retailers disappoint Wall Street as consumer spending shifts” from Marketplace
“A Stroke Stole Her Ability to Speak at 30. A.I. Is Helping to Restore It Years Later.” from The New York Times
“India lands a spacecraft softly on the moon’s surface” from The Washington Post
“The Trash We’ve Left on the Moon” from The Atlantic
“What’s next for India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission on the moon?” from Space
“The economic anthem of the moment depends on how you read the data” from Marketplace
“Marketplace: Your Economic Anthems” on Spotify

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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The computer chipmaker Nvidia doubled its revenue from a year ago due to a surge in demand for special chips used to run AI systems like ChatGPT. We’ll get into the geopolitical backdrop of the current chip boom. And, half of today’s homebuyers are first-time purchasers despite a historically unaffordable housing market. We’ll unpack that paradox. Plus, have you played Tradle yet?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Nvidia Revenue Doubles on Demand for A.I. Chips, and Could Go Higher” from The New York Times
“Can I Afford a House: Higher Mortgage Rates Have Not Deterred Some Buyers” from Bloomberg
“The Housing Market Has Never Been This Unaffordable for New Buyers” from Business Insider
“Home-builder ETFs jump after data show new-home sales rose in July despite high mortgage rates” from MarketWatch
“Ford Confronts Strange, Ear-Piercing Static in F-150 Trucks” from The Wall Street Journal
Play the Observatory of Economic Complexity’s Tradle game

Got a question for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Robotaxi companies Cruise and Waymo recently scored a big win when California regulators allowed them to expand their services and begin charging fares in San Francisco. But now the companies are hitting some speedbumps.

On the show today: Axios transportation reporter Joann Muller explains where we’re at with self-driving technology, why all eyes are on San Francisco, and who make the rules as robotaxi companies grow. Plus, the human-to-human connection that driverless cars are missing.

Then, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimundo is the next cabinet member in line for a trip to China. We’ll get into why the visit might be a little tense. And, some Americans are finding creative avenues to homeownership in spite of an unfavorable housing market.

Later, our listeners recommend some summer reads. And, this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question comes from Mark Clouse, President and CEO of Campbell’s Soup.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “How autonomous vehicles “see” the world around them” from Axios
- “Cruise will reduce robotaxi fleet by 50% in San Francisco while California DMV investigates ‘incidents'” from CNBC
- “Carmakers Are Pushing Autonomous Tech. This Engineer Wants Limits.” from The New York Times
- “How rideshare drivers feel about robot competition” from Marketplace
- “The Cost of Self-Driving Cars Will Be the Biggest Barrier to Their Adoption” from Harvard Business Review
- “Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to Visit China from The Wall Street Journal
- “Goodbye Bathtub and Living Room. America’s Homes Are Shrinking.” from The Wall Street Journal
- “The enduring allure of the cheap old house” from The Washington Post
- Summer reading recs from the Make Me Smart team on Goodreads
- Summer reading recs from our listeners on Goodreads

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Americans are watching a lot of television, but it’s not broadcast or cable TV. For the first time, linear TV made up less than half of all TV viewing last month. We’ll talk about how the rise of streaming and the ongoing Hollywood strikes may accelerate cord cutting. Plus, how the U.S. is still being represented in the Women’s World Cup final. And, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty with guest host and Economics on Tap first-timer Nova Safo, who enlightens us on why all radio show hosts should drink sherry.

Here’s everything we talked about:

“For the first time, cable and broadcast makes up less than half of TV viewing” from CNN
“What to know about SAG-AFTRA waivers and why actors are making movies during the strike” from AP News
“American referee Tori Penso picked by FIFA for England-Spain final at Women’s World Cup” from AP News
“Beer? Pour me a grey one” from Marketplace
“Could stablecoin regulation come sooner with PayPal USD launch?” from Marketplace
“First Bank of U.S. to be turned into museum of the American economy” from Marketplace
“Can AI product review summaries help us make better purchase decisions?” from Marketplace
“Serve Robotics goes public, but the robot delivery industry has a ways to go” from Quartz

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMA

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The Inflation Reduction Act is the beating heart of the president’s new “Bidenomics” slogan. The trouble is, many Americans don’t know what’s in the gargantuan piece of legislation. We’ll hear what President Joe Biden had to say on the law’s one-year anniversary and explain why he is struggling to get credit for the strong economy. And, we’ll get into how the new culture of remote work is shifting the purpose of downtowns. Plus, we’ll play a round of Name That Tune, economic anthem-style.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Biden touts Inflation Reduction Act on first anniversary” from Reuters
- “Biden’s approval rating on the economy stagnates, AP-NORC poll shows” from AP News
- “San Francisco struggles with downtown recovery” from Marketplace
- “New York Plans to Open Parts of Midtown Manhattan to Housing” from The New York Times
- “Janet Yellen explains her ‘magic mushroom’ experience in China” from CNN Business
- “The economic anthem of the moment depends on how you read the data” from Marketplace
- “Marketplace: Your Economic Anthems” on Spotify

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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Detroit has one of the nation’s highest poverty rates. Yet, it doesn’t have the same level of homelessness that Los Angeles has. So what gives? We’ll get into the almost-too-obvious reason: a lot more housing. Also, we’ll check in on one of Kai’s favorite topics — bonds — and explain what yields can tell us about today’s economy. And, a silver lining in the U.S. women’s national soccer team’s World Cup loss.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Fresno, California, leads in downtown recovery” from Marketplace
- “Bond Yield Hits Highest Since 2008, Adding Pressure to Borrowing Costs” from The Wall Street Journal
- “The first female officer nominated to the Joint Chiefs is stuck in Tuberville’s military promotions blockade” from Politico
- “Why Detroit, America’s poorest city, doesn’t have an L.A.-sized homeless problem” from The L.A. Times
- “The Local-News Crisis Is Weirdly Easy to Solve” from The Atlantic
- “The Matildas and the World Cup Crack Australia’s Code Wars” from The New York Times

Got a question for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Hey Smarties! We’ve been having a lot of conversations about what advances in AI technology mean for our personal and professional lives. So, today we’re bringing you a special episode from “Marketplace Tech” about how AI is already transforming the workplace. In their new “AI on the Job” series, our tech team investigates the effects, from streamlining routine office tasks to drastically changing workflows.

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California regulators gave the green light to two robotaxi companies to expand service in the city of San Francisco. But the debate over driverless vehicles is far from over. Guest host Matt Levin joins the pod to explain. Plus, Argentina’s primary elections highlight how inflation is playing out in domestic politics across the globe. And, some environmental good news to put a smile on your face.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Driverless taxis: What to know about Cruise, Waymo expansion” from The San Francisco Chronicle
- “San Francisco’s self-driving car wars intensify after Cruise meltdown” from The San Francisco Chronicle
- “How rideshare drivers feel about robot competition” from Marketplace
- “Outsider Milei Upends Argentina’s Election With Primary Win” from Bloomberg
- “Goldman Pencils In First Fed Rate Cut for Second Quarter of 2024” from Bloomberg
- “Amid Maui wildfire ash, Lahaina’s 150-year-old banyan tree offers hope as it remains standing” from CBS News
- “Judge rules in favor of Montana youths in landmark climate decision” from The Washington Post

We can’t do this show without you. Submit your answer to the Make Me Smart question and you may appear in a future episode. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Hey Smarties! Make Me Smart is taking a little summer vacation this week. We’ll be back in your feeds soon. But for now, enjoy a rerun of one of our favorite episodes of the year so far.

To reach the Joe Biden administration’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, the country’s energy infrastructure needs a massive overhaul, and fast.

But many communities are not on board with the idea of a massive wind or solar farm in their area. Some counties are banning renewable energy developments before the planning can even begin.

“All those wind turbines and solar panels, and then all the transmission lines that you need to build … it has a big footprint. And that creates lots of land-use conflicts,” said Ted Nordhaus, founder of The Breakthrough Institute.

On the show today, Nordhaus breaks down climate NIMBYism, the threat it poses to our green-energy economy and what it might take to keep the green transition moving forward.

In the News Fix: Work as we know it is changing. Many U.S. companies are already using ChatGPT in one way or another, and the artificial intelligence chatbot is replacing jobs. Plus, workers in Asia and Europe are going back to the office at much higher rates than American workers.

Then, we’ll hear from listeners about how later school start times have improved their family’s mornings, the debate about what to call mocktails, and why Americans keep eggs in the fridge.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Decarbonization and its Discontents” from The Breakthrough Institute
- “Will NIMBYs sink new clean energy projects? The evidence says no – if developers listen to local concerns” from The Conversation
- “The Environmentalists Undermining Environmentalism” from The Atlantic
- “America needs a new environmentalism” from The Economist
- “Should I Learn Coding as a Second Language?” from Wired
- “1 in 4 companies have already replaced workers with ChatGPT” from Resume Builder
- “As Americans Work From Home, Europeans and Asians Head Back to the Office” from The Wall Street Journal
- “What’s happened to the lunch places in office neighborhoods?” from Marketplace
- “Why do we refrigerate eggs and other countries don’t?” from the Egg Safety Center

What have you been wrong about lately? We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question! Leave us a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART, and your submission may be featured in a future episode.

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First the U.S. Marines and now the Army. For the first time in American history, two members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff lack the blessing of the Senate, as Sen. Tommy Tuberville, an Alabama Republican, holds up hundreds of military promotions to protest the Pentagon’s new abortion policy. We’ll explain the implications of having interims filling these top military posts. And good news for the lungs of the planet: Deforestation is on a downward trend in the Amazon rainforest. Plus, we’ll play a game of Half Full / Half Empty with predictions about the “vibecession.”

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Amazon deforestation at six-year-low in Brazil after plunging 66% in July” from CNN
- “Army chief retires as Tuberville hold snarls the Pentagon’s top ranks” from Politico
- Joint Chiefs of Staff vacancies from Twitter
- “Why ‘grandternity’ leave might become the newest form of parental leave” from Marketplace
- “The Federal Reserve could help instant payments catch on” from Marketplace
- “Cybersecurity labels are coming. Will they be effective?” from Marketplace
- “Are we finally exiting the ‘vibecession’?” from Marketplace

We are taking our usual summer hiatus next week, but while we are on break we’d love to hear from you! We want to know your answer to the Make Me Smart question. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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The credit rating agency Fitch bumped the United States’ credit rating down a notch this week despite the country’s strong economic performance. We’ll hear what Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen had to say about it and get into why political dysfunction is at the root of the downgrade. Plus, why a carbon-free future likely depends on nuclear energy. And what musical beat is the U.S. economy grooving to?

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “New Georgia reactor shows benefits and costs of nuclear power” from Marketplace
- “Yellen: Fitch downgrade ‘entirely unwarranted’ amid US economy’s strength” from Reuters
- “New York Dems beg Biden to fast-track migrant work permits” from Politico
- “Inhumane conditions reported at large migrant shelter in New York City” from NPR
- “The economic anthem of the moment depends on how you read the data” from Marketplace

We want to know what you’d pick as the economic anthem of the moment! Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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Climate change is real and so is climate anxiety. We’ll get into the ways the climate crisis is changing the mental health profession as people turn to therapy for help with handling all the climate doom. And, is there a way to turn climate anxiety into action? Also, former President Donald Trump’s latest indictment is now available to the public. (Seriously, read it.) And, asteroids may be the next frontier for human space exploration. Plus, meows of agreement from Yuki the cat.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“United States of America vs. Donald J. Trump” (PDF) from the U.S. Justice Department
“CNN annotated text copy of Trump’s third indictment” from CNN
“For hard-core Trump supporters latest indictment doesn’t raise doubts” from NPR
“What To Do With Climate Emotions” from The New Yorker
“AI improves breast cancer detection rate by 20 percent” from Politico
“Prospects for Future Human Space Flight Missions to Near-Earth Asteroids” (PDF) from NASA
Yuki the cat’s Instagram account

Got a question for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Today we’re talking about the economics of higher education in the United States.

Though the average cost of going to college nearly tripled from 1980 to 2021, the net cost of attending both public and private institutions has started to come down. Martin Kurzweil, vice president of educational transformation at the nonprofit Ithaka S+R, traces that back to a decline in enrollment.

“Demographers will tell us that the generations of young people coming through after the baby boom, the cohort sizes, have decreased over time, and higher education is looking at what’s come to be known as a demographic cliff,” Kurzweil said.

On the show today: Kurzweil explains how college became unaffordable for many Americans, why costs have started to come down, and how a shrinking population of typical college-age students will transform higher education in the U.S.

Then, we’ll get into the repercussions of the Great Recession on the retirement wealth of younger baby boomers. And, are credit rating firms underestimating the climate crisis?

Later, listeners share how they deal with news fatigue. Plus, one listener explains what she got wrong about getting a college degree.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “College prices aren’t skyrocketing—but they’re still too high for some” from The Brookings Institution
- “Forget that $90,000 sticker price: College costs are actually going down” from The Hill
- “Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2022” (PDF) from College Board
- “A Sign That Tuition Is Too High: Some Colleges Are Slashing It in Half” from The New York Times
- “The incredible shrinking future of college” from Vox
- “Ratings Firms Struggle With Climate Risk in $133 Trillion Market” from Bloomberg
- “Yellen Says Extreme Weather Exposes Gaps in Insurance Protection” from Insurance Journal
- “What Happened to Late Boomers’ Retirement Wealth?” from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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As Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis struggles to forge ahead in the race for the Republican presidential nomination, he’s hoping to win supporters through his newly unveiled economic plan. We’ll also talk about the spikey takedown of human devices by crows. Plus, a golden record aimed at aliens that captures the sounds of love and life on Earth.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “How to Prepare Your House for a Hotter Future” from Heatmap News
- “DeSantis Says He Would Eye U.S. Ban of TikTok If Elected President” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Birds have co-opted our anti-bird weapons in a genius counterattack” from Vox
- “After ‘terrorizing’ Congress, interns get selfies with all 100 senators” from The Washington Post
- “Carl Sagan And Ann Druyan’s Ultimate Mix Tape” from NPR
- “Voyager Golden Record” from Sotheby’s

We’re waiting for your answer to the Make Me Smart question. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org and it may appear in a future episode.

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India has banned nearly half of its rice exports. The news has sent many Americans scrambling to stock up. We’ll explain what the ban means for global food prices. Plus, what should come first, new electric vehicle charging stations or new power lines? And, the hosts weigh in on UFOs during a round of Half Full / Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Sen. Duckworth’s Barbie moment” from Politico
- “India’s ban on certain rice exports sends some U.S. consumers scrambling to find it on store shelves” from Marketplace
- “From Rice Ban to War and Heat, Food Inflation Risks Are Back” from Bloomberg
- “Biden Administration Poses Strict Targets for Vehicle Fuel Economy” from The Wall Street Journal
- “The advantages —and drawbacks — of decentralized social networks” from Marketplace
- “NASA Plus is the latest streaming competitor” from The Verge
- “U.S. recovered non-human ‘biologics’ from UFO crash sites, former intel official says” from NPR
- “Could electric planes tempt Americans to fly short distances instead of driving?” from Marketplace

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART and you might be featured in a future episode.

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Federal student loan payments have been paused for over three years. Since then, borrowers have got used to the extra room in their budgets for dining, vacations, Beyoncé tickets and more. One listener called in to ask: What happens to the economy when payments start again this fall? We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions on President Joe Biden’s new student debt forgiveness plan and why it’s so hard to have student loans wiped out through bankruptcy.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “As Student Loan Borrowers Prepare to Resume Payments, Some Borrowers’ Abilities to Pay May Be Limited” from TransUnion
- “Holiday shopping already has retailers on edge” from Marketplace
- “Student-Loan Repayments Are Coming Back. Retailers Are in for a Big Shock.” from The Wall Street Journal
- “The pause on student loans is ending. That could be a storm cloud for the economy” from CNN Business
- “The Biden administration is forgiving $39 billion in federal student loans. Find out if you qualify” from Marketplace
- “Biden is forgiving $39 billion in student debt — here’s who qualifies” from CNBC
- “Student loan forgiveness: What to know about Biden’s $39 billion plan” from Vox
- “Who benefits from the student loan payment pause and what will happen when it ends?” from California Policy Lab
- “Biden Administration Updates Form For New, Easier Bankruptcy Process” from Forbes
- “Biden Administration Offers New Path to Discharging Student Debt in Bankruptcy” from The New York Times

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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Barbie and Taylor Swift are just about everywhere right now, they even got a mention at the Fed’s news conference today. Seriously! We’ll explain what these pop culture icons have to do with the today’s interest rate hike. Plus, how leaning on algorithms and AI for bureaucratic work could come with real costs for consumers. And, candid thoughts about climate change.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Cigna accused of using an algorithm to automatically reject patient claims” from CBS News
- “How Cigna Saves Millions by Having Its Doctors Reject Claims Without Reading Them” from ProPublica
- “G.M. and Other Automakers Will Build 30,000 Electric Vehicle Chargers” from The New York Times
- “MIT’s ‘PhotoGuard’ protects your images from malicious AI edits” from Engadget
- “Powell Speaks on Fed Rate Hike” from The New York Times

Got a question about resuming student loan repayments for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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NASA recently celebrated one orbit around the Sun since the James Webb Space Telescope became operational. On the show today, Caitlin Casey, professor of astronomy at the University of Texas at Austin, is back to share some of the exciting discoveries her team has made in the first year of the $10 billion machine’s mission. She’ll also fill us in on the buzz over gravitational waves. Plus, why learning about the seemingly incomprehensible cosmos can keep us grounded.

Later, we’ll discuss dueling op-eds that arrive at the same conclusion: Immigration is good for the economy. Then, a listener calls in with a cocktail recipe, and a tortoise with the hiccups inspires this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “12 amazing James Webb Space Telescope discoveries across the universe” from Space
- “Webb telescope discovers oldest galaxies ever observed” from Phys
- “New 3D Visualization Highlights 5,000 Galaxies Revealed by Webb” from NASA
- “The James Webb Space Telescope is out of this world” from “Make Me Smart”
- “America’s Choice: Immigration or Bust” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Opinion | The left needs to win, not duck, the immigration debate” from The Washington Post
- “UPS Reaches Tentative Deal With Teamsters to Head Off Strike” from The New York Times
- “IMF raises global growth forecast despite China’s recovery ‘losing steam'” from CNBC
- “Nike is coming out with a soccer cleat specifically for women” from NPR
- “Boots and balls made for men an injury risk to women footballers” from BBC News

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Congress averted a government debt default in June, but can it prevent a government shutdown this fall? Lawmakers are at odds again over spending bills to fund the government next year. Kai and Kimberly will also discuss tips for avoiding doomscrolling while maintaining healthy news consumption. And is Twitter’s new name, “X,” actually owned by Meta? Or maybe it’s Microsoft? Either way, lawyers may have some real lawyering to do.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “House Republicans start their funding rumble with shutdown looming” from Politico
- “Study of Elite College Admissions Data Suggests Being Very Rich Is Its Own Qualification” from The New York Times
- Trademark for “X” from Twitter
- Trademark Status of “X” from the United States Patent and Trademark Office

Got a question about resuming student loan repayments for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Record-breaking heat waves are becoming a serious job hazard for outdoor workers. Currently, there are no federal rules to protect workers from extreme heat. But that may be changing. We’ll also discuss New York City’s reversal in the way it treats asylum-seeking migrants. Plus, we’ll play a game of This or That with guest host Amy Scott.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Amid historic U.S. heat wave, workers have few protections” from Axios
- “Migrants in NYC Say They’ve Been Turned Away, Despite Shelter Mandate” from Bloomberg
- “Updates to asylum seekers from the city of New York” from NYC.gov
- “Messi Shines a Spotlight on Miami, and on Soccer in the U.S.” from The New York Times
- “United States vs. Vietnam: How to watch Women’s World Cup match” from CNN

We want to hear what you’re reading this summer. If you’ve got a reading recommendation you’d like to share with fellow Smarties, email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART

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With the ongoing strikes in Hollywood, the upcoming fall TV season will likely survive on rations of reruns and unscripted content. Once viewers also run out of bingeable streaming series, the streamers might find themselves in a similar position. We’ll hear what Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos had to say about it and get into why the streamers may be better prepared — for now. Plus, we’ll unpack the Biden administration’s war on hidden fees. And, the Women’s World Cup is finally here!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Netflix adds nearly 6 million paid subscribers amid password sharing crackdown” from CNN Business
“Biden targets hidden ‘junk fees’ from banks, cable TV, concert tickets” from Reuters
“SEC chair warns of AI’s potential to disrupt markets” from Axios
“There’s evidence that AI has downsides for the legal industry” from Marketplace
“Women’s World Cup likely to draw bigger crowds, revenue” from Marketplace
“New Zealand’s Hannah Wilkinson scores goal vs. Norway in 48′” from Fox Sports

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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Record breaking heat waves and extreme weather events have us wondering: Is this summer an anomaly? We’ll discuss what it really means to adapt to global warming. And, recent climate talks between the U.S. and China were a bust. We’ll get into why China and other countries might not be eager to take instructions from a significant carbon emitter like the United States. Plus, the story of a rescued sailor and his loyal companion makes us smile.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“China’s Xi Rebuffs Kerry’s Call for Faster Climate Action” from The New York Times
“The ‘new abnormal’: The rise of extreme flooding, briefly explained” from Vox
“Australian sailor Tim Shaddock and dog rescued after two months at sea” from BBC News
“‘That dog is something else’: Rescued sailor praises canine shipmate” from NBC News
“ACL Injuries Are Hurting Women’s Soccer” from The New York Times

Got a question about resuming student loan repayments for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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The 2024 presidential campaign is already well underway, but today we’re going to take a step back and examine the connection between Barack Obama’s presidency and the rise of white racial violence. It’s what Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Wesley Lowery calls the “American Whitelash” (also the title of his new book), which to some extent is rooted in economic fear.

On the show today: How the election of former President Obama spurred a white racist backlash, why economic fear is entangled with xenophobia and the media’s role in all of it. Plus, is the media ready to cover the 2024 elections? (Spoiler: It’s not).

Later, we’ll explain how Russia’s decision to pull back from a wartime agreement on grain exports will hurt countries that suffer from food insecurity. And, why the Joe Biden administration’s plan to restrict investment in Chinese tech could get a bit messy.

Then, a listener tells us how their home state is dealing with flighty insurers. And, economist Peter Atwater shares that he was wrong about what it really means to have confidence.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The ‘American Whitelash’ Is Far From Over” from Politico
“Support for the Black Lives Matter Movement Has Dropped Considerably From Its Peak in 2020” from Pew Research Center
“Trump’s history of inciting violence in words and tweets: A timeline from 2015 through the Capitol attack” from Vox
“Why allowing Ukraine to ship grain during Russia’s war matters to the world” from AP News
“US Plans Narrow China Tech Investment Limits, Likely by 2024” from Bloomberg

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Hollywood’s double strike of writers and actors might just be the start of a hot labor summer. We’ll talk about the next group of workers who may soon join the picket lines and what’s at stake (inflation, anyone?). Plus, what the Federal Trade Commission has to do with Trump’s plans to expand presidential power. And, concrete, yes, concrete is making us smile as newly discovered secrets from ancient Roman times could help us build more environmentally friendly cities.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Annual Cost of SAG-AFTRA, DGA, WGA Contracts Estimated by Moody’s“ from The Hollywood Reporter
- “Teamsters president says he’s asked the White House not to intervene if UPS workers go on strike” from The Associated Press
- “Trump Plans to Expand Presidential Power Over Agencies in 2025” from The New York Times
- “From Jack the Ripper to ‘Gilgo Beach’ cold case, violence against sex workers is common” from USA Today
- “We Finally Know Why Ancient Roman Concrete Stood The Test of Time” from Science Alert
- “A Positive Covid Milestone” from The New York Times

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It’s a wild show, y’all. About halfway through, an unwelcome surprise besieges Kimberly. But don’t worry, Kimberly (and Jasper) are all right. We’ll also touch on the latest in the Johnson & Johnson talc powder saga, how the U.S. women’s national soccer team landed Taylor Swift in its 2023 squad announcement video, why cottage cheese is going viral and Barbenheimer!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Johnson & Johnson sues researchers who linked talc to cancer” from Reuters
- “How the USWNT landed Taylor Swift, Lil Wayne, Issa Rae and more for their squad announcement video” from The Athletic
- “MSG Sphere in Vegas lit up as a basketball is mesmerizing” from New York Post
- “The newest viral TikTok trend? Cottage cheese” from Marketplace
- “These remote employees are secretly working abroad” from Marketplace
- “AP strikes news-sharing and tech deal with OpenAI” from Axios
- “Barbenheimer fever takes over” from Axios

We want to hear what you’re reading this summer. If you’ve got a recommendation you’d like to share with fellow Smarties, email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Hollywood actors are joining writers on the picket lines after leaders of the SAG-AFTRA union voted to strike. We’ll hear what SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher had to say about it and get into what it might mean beyond the entertainment industry. Plus, why conservative amendments tacked onto an important defense spending bill are setting it up to fail. And, Kai reads between a Federal Reserve official’s lines.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Shutdown Looms as Actors Say Contract Talks Have Collapsed: Live Updates” from The New York Times
“Disney CEO Bob Iger on media landscape: Challenges are greater than I had anticipated” from CNBC
“Saudi investment in PGA Tour will top $1 billion. And Norman will exit as LIV’s CEO, tour exec says” from The Washington Post
“House voting on first set of hot-button amendments to defense bill: live coverage” from The Hill
“Tommy Tuberville: Senators fume over growing number of blocked nominations” from CNN Politics
“The Overton Window” from the Mackinac Center
“Fed’s Mary Daly Says a ‘Couple More’ Rate Hikes Appropriate in 2023” from Bloomberg

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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Farmers Insurance is the latest to call it quits in Florida as more frequent hurricanes ramp up risk for insurance companies. We’ll get into what coastal states like Florida might do to prevent residents from moving to more insurable parts of the country. And, inflation has settled down to 3%, but don’t be too quick to celebrate. Plus, we’ll commemorate the first anniversary of the James Webb Space Telescope with some unbelievable new photos.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“‘Cascading impacts’ warning as Farmers becomes latest insurer to quit Florida” from The Guardian
“Farmers Insurance is leaving Florida in latest blow to homeowners” from Tampa Bay Times
“How We Survive” from Marketplace
“Russia’s Flagship Crude Oil Surpasses G-7 Price Cap for First Time” from Bloomberg
“Inflation at 3% Flags End of Emergency, Turning Point for Fed” from Bloomberg
“Inflation slows to 3%, but returning to 2% is ‘still a ways away'” from CNBC
“Workers save turtles migrating through Conn. dry-cleaning business” from The Washington Post
“Meet Sammy, the surfing seal from San Diego” from BBC News
“Seal pup goes surfing in San Diego!” from @thatgoodnewsgirl on TikTok
“NASA releases spectacular image to celebrate James Webb Space Telescope” from The Washington Post

Got a question about the economy, business or technology for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Sustainable-fashion writer Alden Wicker’s new book, “To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion Is Making Us Sick,” documents another gritty side of the industry: the toxic chemicals used to make the clothing many companies sell.

As it turns out, there aren’t many laws in the U.S. to prevent those chemicals from ending up in our clothes.

Then, more on harmful chemicals: A recent study found that a type of “forever chemical” is uncomfortably common in the U.S. water supply. And, the pending merger between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard got a big push forward from a federal judge this week. We’ll get into why the decision is a major blow to the Federal Trade Commission.

Later, a listener shares an adorable cartoon that has Kimberly Adams written all over it. Plus, this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question comes from Major Jackson, host of “The Slowdown” poetry podcast.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Shein, the fast-fashion giant, hits roadblocks” from The Washington Post
- “Are your clothes making you sick? The opaque world of chemicals in fashion” from The Guardian
- “The incredible story of how hatmakers really did ‘go mad’ 300 years ago” from Business Insider
- “Influencers are under fire for praising working conditions in Shein’s clothing factory despite abuse allegations” from NBC News
- “Toxic Chemicals in Shein and Other Fast Fashion Clothing” from Insider
- “What Is Prop 65? And Why Is There a Warning Label on This Thing I Bought?” from The New York Times
- “How to remove PFAS — aka forever chemicals — from drinking water” from Vox
- “Tap water study detects PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ across the US” from U.S. Geological Survey
- “Microsoft Can Close Its $75 Billion Buy of Activision Blizzard, Judge Rules” from The Wall Street Journal
- ‘“USA Geography” Features Humorous Illustrations Of Each State” from Bored Panda
- “The Slowdown” podcast from APM

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Kai Ryssdal breaks the fourth wall and shares highlights from his trip to China with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen (it was “amazeballs”). Plus, U.S. pandemic relief packages helped millions of businesses stay afloat in 2020. But cybersecurity holes paved the way for fraudulent claims. Can the federal government hold these scammers accountable? And how Morocco’s national women’s soccer team is making history.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Yellen: U.S. intends to be ‘transparent about the actions that we’ve taken’ when it comes to China” from Marketplace
“The Trillion-Dollar Grift: Inside the Greatest Scam of All Time” from Rolling Stone
“Earth is at its hottest in thousands of years. Here’s how we know.” From The Washington Post
“Morocco’s historic Women’s World Cup debut inspires girls even if some in the Arab world ignore it” from AP News

Got a question about the economy, business or technology for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Meta’s new Threads became the most quickly downloaded app on Wednesday, its opening day. Twitter’s not thrilled about it. We’ll get into why folks may or may not gravitate toward the app and whether any of the “new Twitters” can become a true social media hub. And, could a scandal involving a celebrated behavioral science researcher impact the way we engage with pop science? Plus, guest host Reema Khrais leads us in a new game.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Twitter is threatening to sue Meta over Threads” from Semafor
- “All the red flags in the Threads privacy policy” from Quartz
- “Meta’s Threads Proves That Social Media Cannot Die” from The Atlantic
- “The Harvard Expert on Dishonesty Who Is Accused of Lying” from The Atlantic
- This week’s newsletter from Marketplace’s “This Is Uncomfortable”

Got a question about the economy, business or technology for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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A new law in New York City requires employers who use artificial intelligence in their hiring process to have those systems audited for bias. We’ll get into how bias can be encoded into these AI hiring tools and why this law could serve as a model for future AI regulation. Then, is the labor market in a sweet spot? Guest host Amy Scott unpacks new jobs data that paints a picture of a remarkably strong labor market in spite of the Federal Reserve’s anti-inflation crusade. Plus, how some apps can help you make friends IRL.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Americans Have Quit Quitting Their Jobs” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Women were disproportionately affected by the tech layoffs” from Axios
- “NYC law promises to regulate AI in hiring, but leaves crucial gaps” from Axios
- “New NYC law restricts hiring based on artificial intelligence” from Marketplace
- “A New York law will require AI hiring systems to be audited for bias” from Marketplace
- “Meta’s Zuckerberg Tweets After Instagram Threads Launch in Jab at Musk’s Twitter” from Bloomberg
- “Loneliness is taking friend-making apps mainstream” from The Washington Post

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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Meta is debuting Threads, its riff on Twitter, to rival the legacy social media platform. We’ll get into where the app might sit in today’s social media landscape and question why Meta would want a piece of Twitter’s notoriously unprofitable pie. And, how the U.S. workforce is changing as boomers retire. Plus, feral cats with 9-to-5s.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Meta Unveils ‘Threads’ App to Take on Twitter” from The New York Times
- “Meta readies Threads, a new Twitter challenger” from Marketplace
- “How the graying of America is reshaping the workforce and economy” from The Washington Post
- “These feral cats have jobs” from Marketplace
- “Mars helicopter calls home after long communications blackout” Spaceflight Now
- “Why new gravitational ripples are blowing the minds of scientists worldwide” BBC Science Focus

We’re shaking things up on “Make Me Smart”! If you’ve got an idea for an episode, segment or game, let us know. You can reach us at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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The recent debt ceiling deal expanded work requirements for government welfare programs. Those rules have a long and complicated history. Today, we’re sharing another episode from our sister podcast, The Uncertain Hour, and getting smarter about how those rules came into being and what they mean for people looking for help. You can binge the full season of The Uncertain Hour here.

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It was a big week for the Supreme Court. Among other far-reaching decisions, the justices stuck down President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness program and ruled race-conscious admissions programs unconstitutional. We’ll get into the ways these decisions might be felt throughout the economy and look at the likely next shoe to drop. Later, we’ll play a Fourth of July-themed game of This or That, complete with pyrotechnics!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Ending Affirmative Action May Be Just the Beginning” from Politico
- “Supreme Court will decide whether domestic abusers can have guns” from Politico
- “Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College” from the U.S. Supreme Court
- “Military Academies Exempt From Supreme Court’s Affirmative Action Ruling” from The Wall Street Journal

Become a new Investor or rejoin today and your donation will be matched! https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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Yesterday, President Joe Biden dove into campaign season by debuting a new slogan: “Bidenomics.” In a speech, Biden explained it’s a counter-catchphrase to the familiar “Reaganomics.” We’ll roll the tape, and the hosts will give us their takes on the branding move. Plus, we’ll hear remarks from the Federal Reserve chair about the future of stablecoin regulation and thoughts from a young plaintiff in a groundbreaking Montana climate lawsuit. Plus, why calls for lower rent by New York City tenants echo through cities across the U.S.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- ‘”Bidenomics,” explained” from Marketplace
- “Stablecoin bill moves closer to bipartisan agreement in House” from Yahoo Finance
- “US Treasury says stablecoins should be regulated like banks” from The Verge
- “Rents to Rise for 2 Million New Yorkers This Year” from The New York Times
- “Defense arguments are set to open in a landmark climate case brought by Montana youth” from NPR
- “‘It’s my future’: Montana youths undertake one of the world’s highest-profile climate trials” from NBC News

Become a new Investor or rejoin today and your donation will be matched! https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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Some economists have been warning of an imminent recession in the United States for over a year now. But so far, it has yet to strike. We’ll get into the different ways economists are thinking about how a so-called recession might play out. Also, humans are having a profound, literally axis-shifting impact on Planet Earth. And, how company crackdowns on sharing memberships hurt single people.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Something Was Messing With Earth’s Axis. The Answer Has to Do With Us.” from The New York Times
- “Is it a ‘richcession’? Or a ‘rolling recession’? Or maybe no recession at all?” from AP News
- “Costco cracking down on membership sharing at self-checkout” from Axios
- “South Koreans become a year or two younger as traditional way of counting age scrapped” from Reuters
- President Joe Biden claps back at Sen. Tommy Tuberville in a tweet.

Become a new Investor or rejoin today and your donation will be matched! https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell has made it clear that he’s laser-focused on bringing inflation back down to the central bank’s target rate of 2% annually. But why is reaching that specific number such a big deal? And where did the 2% target come from?

On the show today, David Wilcox, economist at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and director of U.S. economic research at Bloomberg Economics, explains why it’s important for central banks to have a target inflation rate in the first place, how the Fed landed on 2% in particular and whether that target rate should be lifted in today’s economy. Plus, some monetary policy pro tips.

In the news, the Supreme Court considered a legal theory that had gained traction with Republicans and kicked it to the curb. We’ll get into what that might mean for future elections. And, an EV company went the SPAC route, and it didn’t turn out well.

Later, listeners sound off on “Star Wars” and a Rubik’s Cube TV series. Plus, a self-described rum nerd makes us smarter about the misunderstood spirit.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Fed’s Powell, in testimony, says inflation fight has ‘long way to go”‘ from Reuters
- “Should the Fed raise its 2% inflation target?” from Marketplace
- “Alternatives to the Fed’s 2 percent inflation target” from the Brookings Institution
- “Of Kiwis and Currencies: How a 2% Inflation Target Became Global Economic Gospel” from The New York Times
- “Limitless: The Federal Reserve Takes on a New Age of Crisis” by Jeanna Smialek
- Supreme Court rejects “independent state legislature” theory from Politico
- “The Incredible Story of the Lifeguard Who Won the Biggest Surf Competition in the World” from GQ
- “As Lordstown immolates, SPAC deals that didn’t go to zero feel like the exception” from TechCrunch
- “As Lordstown Motors Dies, Lordstown’s EV Business Survives” from The Wall Street Journal
- “‘The Speed Cubers’ takes on the world of competitive Rubik’s Cube solving” from Mashable

Become a new Investor or rejoin today and your donation will be matched! https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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Hey Smarties! Kai and Kimberly will be back in your podcast feed tomorrow for our weekly deep dive, but until then we’re bringing you a deep dive of a different kind. It’s an episode from Marketplace’s investigative podcast “The Uncertain Hour” which is all about obscure policies and forgotten histories. In the new season, Marketplace’s Krissy Clark and the team dig into the origins and evolution of America’s welfare-to-work system (which got lots of attention in the recent debt ceiling debate). Let us know what you think. And as Kai often says, history matters!

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The median age in the United States, at just under 39, is the highest it’s ever been, and it’s been rising for decades. We’ll get into the economic implications of America’s aging population. Also, the Supreme Court has been getting comfy with ruling on technicalities rather than policy. We’ll explain how that played out in a recent immigration case. Plus, it’s Revenge of the Nerds: Billionaire Edition. And, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Texas and Louisiana lack right to challenge Biden immigration policy, court rules” from Amylhowe.com
- “The U.S. Population Is Older Than It Has Ever Been” from The New York Times
- “How workwear went from functional to fashionable” from Marketplace
- “Wimbledon to use AI for video highlight commentary” from CNN
- “Talking credit helps visually impaired people make transactions safely” from Marketplace
- “Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg: Are they really going to cage fight?” from Vox
- “Are brain implants a privacy issue?” from Marketplace

Make a gift to help us close our fundraising gap: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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Since Roe v. Wade was overturned nearly a year ago, conservative-led states, including Texas, have passed a slew of bans on abortion and gender affirming health care. Now, many med students and doctors are choosing to work elsewhere. We’ll get into it. And, India has become a top customer for Russian oil. We’ll explain what that means for the global oil supply and regional geopolitics. Plus, a device that makes water out of thin air, and the head of Turkey’s central bank makes the hosts smile.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Bans on abortion and gender-affirming care are driving doctors from Texas” from 19th News
- “How India Profits From Its Neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine War” from The New York Times
- “Texas man’s invention provides clean water out of air” from Spectrum News
- “Turkish Central Bank Jacks Up Interest Rates in Reversal for Erdogan” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Turkey hikes interest rates as Erdogan stages economic U-turn” from BBC News

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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The missing sub of wealthy tourists lost on an excursion to view the wreckage of the Titanic has been dominating news feeds this week, while the story of a deadly migrant shipwreck off the coast of Greece has, for the most part, stayed in the periphery. We’ll get into the disparities in resources and media attention paid to the two disasters. Plus, we connect the dots on interest rates, home sales and new home construction. And, confirmed by the man himself, Fede Chair Jay Powell is a Deadhead.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The Media Cares More About the Titanic Sub Than Drowned Migrants” from The New Republic
“Did Hunter Biden get off easy? We asked the experts.” from Politico
“Home Listings Plummet as High Mortgage Rates Tie Owners Down” from Bloomberg
“New house construction is booming, but most of it isn’t affordable” from Marketplace
“Listen to the music play: Fed Chair Jerome Powell admits to being a Deadhead” from CNBC
Video: “Introducing the USWNT’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Roster” from U.S. Soccer
“USWNT’s Alex Morgan lauds progress made in women’s soccer, pay disparities but says more work to be done” from The Athletic
“DC bars allowed to stay open 24 hours for Women’s World Cup” from WTOP News

We’re shaking things up on “Make Me Smart”! If you’ve got an idea for an episode, segment or game, let us know. You can reach us at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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For Black workers in this economy, the last couple of years have brought gains in employment and wages.

In April, the Black unemployment rate fell to a historically low 4.7%, and the racial wage gap has shrunk slightly over the last five years. But in terms of the economy as a whole, stark disparities still exist for Black Americans.

“I’ve looked at the unemployment rates for the last 60 years,” said Algernon Austin, director for race and economic justice at the Center for Economic and Policy Research. “It’s important to remember that a historically low Black unemployment rate still tends to be a high unemployment rate if you’re a white person.”

On this post-Juneteenth episode, Austin explains recent gains by Black workers, why the Federal Reserve can’t fix high Black unemployment alone, and how sputtering diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in U.S. companies could impact the Black workforce. Plus, why racial justice movements have always been economic stories.

Later in the episode: Reddit is under growing pressure to walk back changes to its business model. Plus, what does monetary policy look like abroad? And the death of Olympian Tori Bowie is a reminder of rising maternal mortality rates in the United States, particularly for women of color.

Finally, listeners call in about the New York City event every mermaid should know about and how much “Make Me Smart” they need in their lives.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The Fed Alone Cannot Create Black Full Employment” from the Center for Economic and Policy Research
“Black unemployment is at a record low, but tight financial conditions could change that” from Marketplace
“The labor market recovery and pandemic relief measures lifted Black and Brown workers and families in 2021” from the Economic Policy Institute
“The Racial Wage Gap Is Shrinking” from The New York Times
“Businesses much quieter on social justice issues than in 2020” from Marketplace
“Hackers threaten to leak stolen Reddit data if company doesn’t pay $4.5 million and change controversial pricing policy” from CNN Business
“China Cuts Key Interest Rates, Hoping to Kick-Start Flagging Economy” from The New York Times
“Power companies spend millions to fight Maine’s proposed non-profit utility” from The Guardian
“Tori Bowie death evokes many Black women’s own pregnancy crises” from The Washington Post
“Thousands gather for the 2023 Coney Island Mermaid Parade” from Gothamist

We want to know what you’ve been wrong about lately. Send us your answer to the Make Me Smart question at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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The Carrie Bradshaw lifestyle is unreachable for most recent college grads in today’s New York City, thanks to high housing costs. We’ll get into the lengths some younger newcomers are willing to go to make it work and dig into a related problem: a potential commercial real estate crisis. Plus, how should cities deal with cannabis smoke? Then we’ll play a round of This or That!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “NYC’s Rent Surge Defied by New Grads Pursuing a TikTok Lifestyle” from Bloomberg
- “Defaults on commercial real estate loans are rising” from Marketplace
- “Workers want to stay remote, prompting an office real estate crisis” from The Washington Post
- “Opinion | How should D.C. deal with pot smoke? from The Washington Post
- “D.C. resident wins case to stop neighbor smoking marijuana” from Axios

The next $50,000 in donations to Marketplace are being matched by longtime fan Dr. Joe Rush. Join Joe in making a gift today!

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Leaked documents lay out how the conservative American College of Pediatricians (not to be confused with the American Academy of Pediatrics) has influenced policy affecting the LGTBQ community. We’ll get into how this splinter group gained national attention and the problems it poses for medical misinformation. Also, we’ll discuss the aftermath of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott busing migrants to cities like Los Angeles. And a new Rubik’s Cube world record to smile about, followed by a Rubik’s Cube anecdote from Kai Ryssdal.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Documents show how conservative doctors influenced abortion, trans rights” from The Washington Post
“Texas sends busload of 42 migrants to Los Angeles” from The Los Angeles Times
“Talking With Kirsten Neuschäfer, the First Woman to Sail and Win the Golden Globe” from The New York Times
“Max Park Sets World Record for Rubik’s Cube Solution” from Sports Illustrated
“Cat lost amid Sonoma County firestorm in 2017 miraculously returns home 6 years later” from The Press Democrat
Kimberly’s anime rec: “Dr. STONE” from Crunchyroll

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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This week, thousands of Reddit’s most popular communities went offline to protest the company’s move to start collecting fees for access to its API or application programming interface. One listener called in to ask what all the fuss is about. We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions about how we keep track of consumer debt and the relationship between the underground economy and GDP.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Why are Reddit communities going private?” from Marketplace
- “Reddit goes dark” from Platformer
- “A developer says Reddit could charge him $20 million a year to keep his app working” from The Verge
- “Reddit Wants to Get Paid for Helping to Teach Big A.I. Systems” from The New York Times
- “Twitter will make you pay to DM people who don’t follow you” from Mashable
- “Federal Reserve Board – Consumer Credit from The Federal Reserve
- “Household Debt and Credit Report” from The Federal Reserve Bank of New York
- “Gross Domestic Product: An Economy’s All” from the International Monetary Fund
- “Underground Economy: Definition, Statistics, Trends, and Examples” from Investopedia

Got a question about the economy, business or technology for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Today we’re sharing an excerpt from our live show at Town Hall Seattle featuring our special guest, writer and comedian Lindy West. The Seattleite talked with us about Former President Donald Trump’s indictment, the Hollywood writers’ strike, being broke and what it means to be fat positive in the Ozempic era. Plus, she shares some smart facts about snakes, whales and the Canada goose.

Here’s everything we talked about:

- “Lindy West Is Not a Star” from The Stranger
- “Butt News #24: Never Been Kissed” from Lindy West’s newsletter
- “Key Takeaways From the Trump Indictment” from The New York Times
- “Opinion | I Quit Twitter and It Feels Great” from The New York Times
- “Why writers are having a hard time earning a living in the streaming economy” from NPR
- Video: “It’s Adorable When A Snake Drinks Water!” from Nature Quest
- “Planet Money makes an episode using AI” from NPR
- “Ozempic has won, body positivity has lost. And I want no part of it” from The Guardian
- ‘“Van Life” is driving a niche market for conversion companies” from Marketplace

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. Send your answer to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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China dominates the market for electric vehicle batteries, but it didn’t have to be that way. We’ll talk about a story of wasted potential: how a failed U.S. startup made headway on lithium battery tech a bit too early and got caught in the throes of American capitalism. Also, a declassified report shows how the U.S. government has been skirting the need for warrants by buying data about Americans. Plus, if you’ve noticed companies have been quieter about social and environmental issues, it’s not in your head. Mentions of diversity, equity and inclusion and other social initiatives in companies’ earnings calls have fallen recently. We’ll talk about why that is.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The US Is Openly Stockpiling Dirt on All Its Citizens” from Wired
“Companies Quiet Diversity and Sustainability Talk Amid Culture War Boycotts” from The Wall Street Journal
“I-95 Collapse in Philadelphia to Upend Travel, Shipping for Months” from Bloomberg
“America’s Long, Tortured Journey to Build EV Batteries” from Bloomberg
“Surfers at Amazon’s mouth ride some of world’s longest-lasting waves” from AP News
“Jeff Bezos Has Gained $10 on Mystery Purchase of One Amazon Share” from Bloomberg
“Remember Jeff Bezos’ One-Off Amazon Stock Buy In Late May? Here’s How Much The Billionaire Made From The Purchase” from Benzinga

Got a question about the economy, business or technology for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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This special edition of Make Me Smart’s weekly happy hour is coming to you live from the stage at Seattle’s Town Hall. We’ll get to all of your “Economics on Tap” favorites: a little news, some drinks, plus an extended round of our Friday game Half Full/Half Empty! Today’s episode includes some adult language.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “More Startups Throw in the Towel, Unable to Raise Money for Their Ideas” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Democrats Push for Debt-Ceiling Overhaul Bill After Default Scare” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Netflix (NFLX) Added Subscribers After Password Crackdown, Research Firm Says” from Bloomberg
- “Trump loses two lawyers just hours after 2nd indictment” from Politico
- “What All the Single Ladies (and Men) Say About the Economy” from The New York Times
- “What’s behind the SEC lawsuits against Coinbase and Binance?” from Marketplace
- “Media’s “Succession” obsession” from Axios
- “Biden signs bipartisan deal to avert debt default” from NPR
- “TikTok helps “dupe” products proliferate” from Marketplace
- “The PGA Tour & LIV Golf merger” from Make Me Smart’s newsletter
- ‘”Little Mermaid” drives big wave for mermaid industry” from Marketplace
- “What makes the perfect Seattle dog? The creator and 4 other hot dog experts weigh in” from The Seattle Times
- Tweet from @SamRo about Fed Chair Jerome Powell at a Dead & Co. concert
- “Judd Apatow’s Afternoon With Mel Brooks” from The Atlantic
- A new WA apple is on the way from KUOW

Feeling Half Full, or maybe Half Empty about something? Let us know! Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or write to makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Hey Smarties! We’re taping today’s episode of Make Me Smart live from Seattle. We’ll have the show in your feeds soon. But for now, enjoy a rerun of one of our favorite episodes of the year so far.

With all the rage tweets about gas stoves, it may be hard to believe, but climate change wasn’t always so polarizing.

Studies show that public opinion on the topic started to splinter in the 1990s, when governments and corporations had to reckon with the threat of a warming planet.

“Prior to 1997, it was a conversation among a bunch of scientists, but once the Kyoto treaty came, it became an issue that affected powerful political and economic interests,” said Andrew Hoffman, professor of sustainable enterprise at the University of Michigan and author of “How Culture Shapes the Climate Change Debate.”

On the show today: Hoffman explains how climate change became a partisan issue, the financial and economic interests that got us to where we are today, and what might get us back to some common ground.

In the News Fix, guest host Amy Scott tells us about an ad campaign bringing attention to gender bias in internet search results. Plus, we’ll explain why classified documents in surprising places is more common than you might expect. And stick around for the TL;DR on Elon Musk’s trial over what he said about Tesla on Twitter (the social media platform he now owns).

Later, we’ll hear from a listener who did the math on the cost-effectiveness of fueling up with diesel vs. gas, and a loyal listener makes us smarter about our own theme music!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Climate Science as Culture War” from the Stanford Social Innovation Review
- A widening gap: Republican and Democratic views on climate change from Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development
- “For Earth Day, key facts about Americans’ views of climate change and renewable energy” from Pew Research Center
- “Politics & Global Warming, March 2018” from Yale Program on Climate Communication
- “How the humble gas stove became the latest flash point in the culture wars” from The Washington Post
- “Wyoming lawmaker behind electric-vehicle ban says he didn’t mean it” from The Washington Post
- “The business opportunity that is climate change” from Marketplace
- “Correct The Internet & DDB NZ on a mission to highlight bias against women’s sport” from The Drum
- “Global ‘Correct the Internet’ campaign launches to make sportswomen more visible via DDB NZ” from Campaign Brief
- “Classified Documents Found at Mike Pence’s Home” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Elon Musk Securities-Fraud Trial” from Bloomberg

It’s a new year, and we’re looking for new answers to the Make Me Smart question. Leave us a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART and your submission may be featured in a future episode.

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Hey Smarties! We get a lot of questions about the stock market, and today we’re sharing an episode from “Financially Inclined,” Marketplace’s new podcast for teens, that might answer some of them. Host Yanely Espinal gets into how the stock market works, the difference between stocks and bonds and what to consider when opening a retirement account. If you’re a newbie investor or want to talk more about this with the young people in your life, this episode will make you smart!

This podcast is presented in partnership with Greenlight: the money app for teens — with investing. For a limited time, our listeners can earn $10 when they sign up today for a Greenlight account at http://ww.greenlight.com/inclined.

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Ahead of their upcoming monthly meeting, Federal Reserve officials have hinted at possibly holding interest rates steady. And they’ve been using a few terms to describe the move — a “skip,” a “pause” and a “hold.” One listener called in to ask: What’s the difference? We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions, like why monetary policy tools are so blunt and the possibility of a common currency for BRICS countries. Plus, why your favorite radio program asks for money.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Fed Officials Consider Skipping a Hike in June — But Don’t Call It a Pause” from Bloomberg
“Why May’s Jobs Data Complicates Inflation Picture for the Fed” from The New York Times
“How BRICS Became a Real Club and Why Others Want In” from The Washington Post
“BRICS Ministers to Challenge US With More Members, Common Currency” from Bloomberg
“What should the White House do to combat inflation? Experts weighed in with 12 ideas.” from The Washington Post
“What the Inflation Reduction Act does and doesn’t do about rising prices” from NPR
“Is the ‘blunt tool’ of monetary policy actually just a dull tool?” from Marketplace
“Why Media & Tech Layoffs Are Skyrocketing” from Variety
“The mysterious ad slump of 2022” from Vox

Got a question about the economy, business or technology for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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It’s that time of year when the Supreme Court issues a bunch of important decisions on high-profile cases before its summer recess. But it turns out there’s a whole other docket of decisions that usually fly under the radar.

It’s called the emergency docket, or “shadow docket.” And the use of this lesser-known docket is changing the way the Supreme Court engages with wide-reaching, often divisive issues, and shaping law on the ground.

“We’re seeing every big fight in contemporary American public policy getting to the Supreme Court faster through these emergency applications, and provoking the justices to take a position sooner because of these emergency applications,” said Stephen Vladeck, law professor at the University of Texas and author of the new book “The Shadow Docket: How the Supreme Court Uses Stealth Rulings to Amass Power and Undermine the Republic.”

On the show today, Vladeck explains what the shadow docket is, why emergency decisions by the Supreme Court have become more common over the past decade, and what this all means for the credibility of the court in the eyes of the American public.

In the News Fix: Speaking of the Supreme Court, we’ll get into how its upcoming decision on affirmative action could muddle diversity efforts at colleges across the country. And we’ll explain why pharmaceutical companies are pushing back against the new Medicare drug price negotiation program.

Later, listeners weigh in on local dog bars and virtual reality headsets. Plus, this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question comes from singer, songwriter and condiment lover, Priska Neely.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Book Review: ‘The Shadow Docket,’ by Stephen Vladeck” from The New York Times
- “The Supreme Court and ‘The Shadow Docket'” from NPR
- “What you need to know about the Supreme Court’s ‘shadow docket’” from Poynter
- “Justice Alito Calls Criticism of the Shadow Docket ‘Silly’ and ‘Misleading” from NPR
- “Merck sues US government to halt Medicare drug price negotiation” from Reuters
- “As Supreme Court considers affirmative action, colleges see few other ways to diversity goals” from AP News
- Priska Neely’s “Ode to Condiments” on YouTube

We love to hear from you. Send us your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Hiring data shows that Republican-leaning states have been consistently hiring faster than Democratic-leaning states, and it’s been that way since before the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ll unpack the trend and get into the relationship between hiring and job growth. Plus, an inclusive running club is making us smile. And, are we handing out five star reviews too freely?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Why are red states hiring so much faster than blue states?” from The Washington Post
“Oklahoma Approves First Religious Charter School in the U.S.” from The New York Times
“A $1.5 Trillion Backstop for Homebuyers Props Up Banks Instead” from Bloomberg
“Carbon dioxide levels in atmosphere surge, hit a new all-time high” from The Washington Post
“Martinus Evans, of Slow AF Run Club, Wants to Make Running Everyone’s Sport” from The New York Times
Customer Ratings Have Become Meaningless. Americans are handing out perfect Uber and Airbnb scores. from The Wall Street Journal

Got a question for our hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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After the 2020 election, YouTube started removing election denialism content. Now, the platform is having a change of heart, saying it will leave up misinformation related to previous U.S. presidential elections. We get into the changes to YouTube’s misinformation policy and what they might mean for the 2024 campaign. Plus, Kimberly and Kai do a little show and tell. Prepare for smoke and fire!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “YouTube reverses misinformation policy to allow U.S. election denialism” from Axios
- “Inside the Meltdown at CNN” from The Atlantic
- “Pride absent for many LGBTQ+ Americans inside workplaces” from Axios
- “Most LGBTQ+ Workers Feel They’re Treated Fairly at Work” from SHRM
- “Are we expected to tip robots now?” from Marketplace
- “Apple Is Stepping Into the Metaverse. Will Anyone Care?” from The New York Times
- “Don’t judge Apple’s VR headset too soon” from The Verge
- “Learn how to invest — using computer games” from “Marketplace Tech”
- “Apartment construction is booming, but it probably won’t last” from Marketplace
- “A Florida bar for humans and man’s best friend” from Marketplace

Feeling Half Full, or maybe Half Empty about something? Let us know! Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or write to makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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The debt limit deal making its way through Congress comes with changes to work requirements for food stamps. We’ll get into why these changes may not be the cost-cutting solutions they’re cracked up to be. And Congress has blocked President Joe Biden’s student debt relief program. We’ll discuss what’s next in the battle over loan forgiveness. Plus, the heartwarming story of a bumblebee rescue.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Senate votes to overturn Biden’s student loan relief program” from NBC News
“The new work requirements for food stamps in the debt ceiling deal” from The Washington Post
“The Welfare-to-Work Industrial Complex,” season six of “The Uncertain Hour” from Marketplace
“Billionaire SPAC Kings Dragged to Court After Boom Goes Bust” from Bloomberg
“Treasury bill yields plunge with debt deal in view” from Axios
“Company Insiders Made Billions Before SPAC Bust” from The Wall Street Journal
“NBA Quiz: Where Is the Pass Going?” from The New York Times
This TikTok from @animal__usa of a wholesome bee rescue

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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Since the U.S. brushed up against its debt limit in January, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has been stretching the government’s money as far as possible using “extraordinary measures” to buy time for Congress. One listener thought to ask: How, exactly, does that work? And how long could they last? We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions about where the funds for military assistance to Ukraine come from and why the Federal Reserve’s strategy to bring down inflation may come with unwanted side effects. Plus, a little self-care talk.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “How ‘Extraordinary Measures’ Can Postpone a Debt Limit Disaster” from The New York Times
- “Meet the budget bureaucrat in charge of tracking the U.S. debt” from The Washington Post
- “The U.S. hit its debt ceiling. Now it’s time for ‘extraordinary measures.'” from Marketplace
- “How Much Aid Has the U.S. Sent Ukraine? Here Are Six Charts.” from the Council on Foreign Relations
- “How much money has the US given Ukraine since Russia’s invasion?” from USA Facts
- “‘We’re right at the beginning of the hard part’ of taming inflation, Atlanta Fed CEO says” from Marketplace
- “Once a fringe theory, ‘greedflation’ gets its due” from Axios
- “What the Fed’s interest rate hike could mean for you” from Vox

Got a question about the economy, business or technology for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Growing beef or chicken in a lab out of a few tiny animal cells may sound like something out of a sci-fi novel, but with nearly $3 billion invested in the lab-grown meat industry, that future may already be near. On the show today, we talk with food tech journalist Larissa Zimberoff about how meat is grown in a lab, why companies are banking on it as a potential climate change solution, and the challenges that lie ahead for the industry. Plus, is lab-grown food here to stay?

In the News Fix: We have a deal on the debt ceiling. We’ll get into what it all means and why the negotiating might not be over.

Later, a listener weighs in on retailer return policies, and our beloved intern gets creative with his answer to the Make Me Smart question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Will I See Lab-Grown Meat in Supermarkets Any Time Soon?” from Bon Appétit
“Lab-Grown Meat’s Carbon Footprint Potentially Worse Than Retail Beef” from the University of California, Davis
“Silicon Valley Is Coming for Your Chocolate” from The Atlantic
“Inside the Battle Between Big Ag and Lab-Grown Meat” from The New Republic
“Here’s what’s in the debt ceiling deal” from CNN
“What’s in the Debt-Ceiling Deal” from The Wall Street Journal
“Defiant House Rejects Huge Bailout; Next Step Is Uncertain” from The New York Times
“House Passes Bailout Bill in 263-171 Vote” from The New York Times

We love to hear from you. Send us your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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The debt limit is the big economic news story of the day, but yes, you *still need to keep an eye on inflation. The personal consumption expenditures price index, a measure of consumer spending, ticked up last month. That’s bad news if you were hoping interest rates, the tool the Federal Reserve uses to fight inflation, might come down soon. And, some musing on the nature of consequences: Three members of the far-right militia known as the Oath Keepers were recently sentenced to prison for their part in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Sedition Sentence for Oath Keepers’ Stewart Rhodes Marks Moment of Accountability” from The New York Times
“Jessica Watkins: Oath Keepers member and Army veteran sentenced to 8.5 years in prison for January 6” from CNN Politics
“US Inflation (PCE), Consumer Spending Pick Up in Sign of Economic Resilience” from Bloomberg
“The Fed’s favorite inflation gauge just heated up — and that could mean another rate hike” from CNN
“Atlanta Fed CEO on the debt limit debacle and curbing inflation” from Marketplace
“Band-Aid is the most trusted brand in the US, beating out Amazon and Visa” from Business Insider
“Netflix’s password-sharing crackdown is here — and it costs $7.99 per month” from The Verge
“The Restaurant QR-Code Menu Is Being Shown the Door” from The New York Times
“The steel sector is carbon-intensive. “Green steel” could be a game changer.” from Marketplace
“Admit it — you miss socializing at the office” from Marketplace

It’s the last day of our May fundraiser. Help us reach our goal and keep our newsroom running. Give now.

Join us in Seattle for a special live taping of “Make Me Smart” on June 9. You can find ticket information here.

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Everyone has bills to pay, and the Treasury Department is no exception. As we get closer to the debt ceiling “X date,” the Treasury finds itself with less and less money to pay for its existing obligations. We talk about how much cash Secretary Janet Yellen has to work with, and the government’s plan to prevent a potential default. And, Tina Turner’s legacy goes beyond rousing music. Plus, in the Make Me Smile department, a discussion on cruises, family vacations and space travel!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Orders surge for trans designer after Target pulls products” from Reuters
- “Tina Turner Was Open About Her Abuse. Now Her Legacy Is Saving Survivors” from Rolling Stone
- “Biden Administration Dusts Off Contingency Plan if Debt-Ceiling Deadline Passes” from The Wall Street Journal
- “US Credit Rating at Risk of Fitch Cut on Debt-Limit Impasse” from Bloomberg
- “Credit rating agency warns it may downgrade US debt rating, driving up costs” from CNN
- Tweet from @kaileyleinz on the Treasury cash balance drop
- “Half-Empty a Year Ago, Cruises Are Now Packed Like Sardines” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Cruising Is Back in a Major Way” from Travel + Leisure
- “I Won’t Be Going on Any Cruise Ship With Millennials” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Hibernation artificially triggered in potential space travel breakthrough” from The Guardian
- “James Cameron Working on New Terminator Movie, Wants to See How AI Affects the Real World” from MovieWeb

There are only two more days for our May fundraiser. We can’t do this without your support!

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It seems like people are using chatbots like ChatGPT for everything these days: writing cover letters, coming up with meal plans, you name it. One listener wondered: Are investors using AI to make stock market picks? We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions about why other countries use the U.S. dollar instead of their own currency and the origins of the phrase “knock-on effect.”

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “How people are using AI for stock market picks” from Marketplace
- “Battle of the Bots: Which AI is Better at Picking Stocks?” from Investopedia
- “Dollarization Definition, Impact, Example” from Investopedia
- “More than two dozen countries and territories use the US dollar as currency” from Business Insider
- “Understanding the Downfall of Greece’s Economy” from Investopedia
- “Why Is The Fed Sending Billions Of Dollars All Over The World?” from NPR
- “‘Knock-on” (effects)” from Not One-Off Britishisms
- “Anatoly Liberman on the origin of familiar words and phrases” from MPR
- “This is why alcohol doesn’t come with nutrition facts” from Vox
- “Why Your Booze Doesn’t Have a Nutrition Label” from EatingWell

Got a question for our hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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The federal government has lifted the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, and many Americans are eager to move on from the pandemic entirely. But, COVID-19 is unfortunately still here — and so is the threat of a future pandemic.

Ed Yong, a science journalist at The Atlantic who wrote about the risk of a deadly pandemic in 2018 and later won a Pulitzer Prize for his reporting on COVID-19, warns that neglecting the pandemic only leaves us unable to address the problems that led to its devastating impacts in the first place.

On the show today, Yong explains how the panic-neglect cycle keeps us vulnerable to COVID-19 flare-ups and new pandemics, why social solutions are just as important as medical ones when it comes to preventing the spread of disease, and why long COVID is misunderstood. Plus, what needs to change to make the United States better prepared for the inevitable next pandemic.

In the News Fix: Many retailers (including in the luxury segment) are expecting a drop in sales, and some sellers are starting to limit free return options. These could be signs that consumer spending is finally tightening after the Federal Reserve’s relentless interest rate hikes. Plus, we’ll talk about the benefits of buying secondhand.

Later, a listener suggests fun emojis to brighten up a conversation on Slack. And, this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question comes from Kimberly’s mermaid instructor, Jen Downey.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “The Pandemic’s Legacy Is Already Clear” from The Atlantic
- “Track Covid-19 in the U.S.: Latest Data and Maps” from The New York Times
- “Long COVID Is Being Erased—Again” from The Atlantic
- “We Need an Operation Warp Speed for Long COVID” from Scientific American
- “Is America Ready for a Global Pandemic?” from The Atlantic
- “Retailers Clamp Down on Returns” from The Wall Street Journal
- “America’s home improvement boom appears to be over” from CNN
- “Why you should buy everything used” from The Washington Post

Your support is critical to helping close our budget gap. Donate before Memorial Day weekend: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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There’s inflation, and then there’s hyperinflation. That’s what’s happening in Argentina, and it’s changing the way people do business and behave in the economy. We’ll talk about how Argentina is dealing with it and how it relates to the “sticky” inflation situation in the U.S. economy. Then, why reaching a compromise on the debt crisis may be harder than we thought. Plus, kids who love to read are making us smile.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “How a 12-year-old playbook is shaping the battle over the debt limit” from Politico
- “The messy money reality at the center of the debt ceiling fight” from Marketplace
- Biden-Harris administration proposal to protect Colorado River basin from U.S. Department of Interior
- “Three states agree to reduce water usage so the Colorado river doesn’t go dry” from NBC
- “TikTok Sues Montana Over State’s Ban of Its Service” from The Wall Street Journal
- “TikTok sues Montana over its new law banning the app” from NPR
- “Argentina Introduces 2,000 Peso Banknote. It’s Worth About $4” from Bloomberg
- “Highest-denomination bill in Argentina is now the 2,000-peso note, worth $4” from The Guardian
- “A tweet about a Pentagon explosion was fake. It still went viral.” from The Washington Post
- “Fake Pentagon attack hoax shows perils of Twitter’s paid verification” from TechCrunch
- TikTok from @casualgeographic on the unproblematic nature of the capybara
- “Kids’ reading scores have soared in Deep South states” from AP
- “Sold a Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong” from APM Reports

It’s our May fundraiser. We need to raise $350K to stay on track for this fiscal year, and your gift now can help us reach our goal. Give today.

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Just when it seemed like a deal was being teed up, negotiations over the debt ceiling broke off. Then went back on … for the moment, at least. So what happens if the U.S. government defaults? Nobody knows exactly, but we’ll go over potential scenarios, including the biggest bills the federal government may not be able to pay if the money runs out. Then, we look at the broadening field of Republican presidential candidates. Plus, we’ll play a game of Half Full Half Empty that includes an ode to condiments.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Sen. Tim Scott makes it official: He’s a Republican candidate for president” from AP News
- “Negotiators Resume Debt-Ceiling Talks After Earlier Breakdown’” from The Wall Street Journal
- “2024 Republican Presidential Nomination” from Real Clear Politics
- “If the government defaults on the debt, see all the payments at risk” from The Washington Post
- “Why Montana’s TikTok ban may not work” from CNN Business
- “You can now hail an Uber without the Uber app. Here’s how it works.” from Business Insider
- “Uber for teens: the company lifts age restrictions to allow unaccompanied minors for the first time” from The Verge
- “When’s the best time to buy plane tickets?” from Marketplace
- “Under project ‘Flagship,’ ESPN preparing to move toward streaming service, per report” from USA Today
- “Ketchup from the cloud: Kraft Heinz debuts ‘Remix,’ its personalized sauce dispenser” from Yahoo Finance
- “A Chat With Singer, Songwriter, and Condiment Fan Priska Neely” from The Washington City Paper
- Video: Ode to Condiments

It’s $5 Friday. Start a $5/month donation now and pick up one of our many thank you gifts. Give now.

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Today, the Supreme Court ruled on a pair of cases involving a controversial internet law. Section 230 protects tech companies from being held liable for users’ content, but it has been criticized for being out of step with technology. We’ll get into the court’s decision to leave Section 230 alone, and what it means for the future of the internet as AI becomes more popular. And, Disney and Florida’s game of cat and mouse continues. Plus, a doggy breakout makes us smile.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Supreme Court rules Twitter not liable for ISIS content” from Howe on the Court
- “Supreme Court hands tech companies a win, and not just about Section 230” from The Washington Post
- Our deep dive episode on Section 230
- “OpenAI launches free ChatGPT app for iOS” from The Verge
- “Disney Drops Plan to Move Workers to Florida, Closes Hotel” from Bloomberg
- “Disney cancels plans for $1 billion Florida campus” from NPR
- Tweet from @GavinNewsom on Disney’s plans in Florida
- “Democrats fear they’re walking into a permitting trap” from The Washington Post
- “The social, political and economic forces behind Iran’s protests” from “Make Me Smart”
- “Titanic Wreckage Visualized in Unique 3-D View” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Titanic: First ever full-sized scans reveal wreck as never seen before” from BBC
- “Husky Who Let 2 Dogs Loose At Animal Shelter And Trashed Lobby Finds New Family” from Huffpost

It’s our May fundraiser. We need to raise $350K to stay on track for this fiscal year, and your gift now can help us reach our goal. Give today.

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It’s Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday, and lots of you wanna know what’s up with the debt ceiling drama. So, we’re dedicating today’s episode to answering your questions about what happens if Congress fails to raise the debt limit before the government runs out of money. We’ll get into how a debt default compares to a government shutdown, why prioritizing payments would be a tricky task for the Treasury and where’s Wall Street been?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “What’s the difference between a government shutdown and a failure to raise the debt ceiling?” from the Brookings Institution
- “Danger and deja vu: what 2011 can tell us about the US debt ceiling crisis” from The Guardian
- “America’s credit rating could get downgraded even if a default is avoided, Fitch Ratings warns” from CNN Business
- “We Hit the Debt Limit. What Happens Now?” from The New York Times
- “Prioritization” from the Bipartisan Policy Center
- “Congress shouldn’t get paid until debt ceiling is addressed, House Democrat says” from CBS News
- “The markets are taking debt limit uncertainty in stride — for now” from Marketplace
- “A group of over 140 CEOs and Wall Street titans including David Solomon just warned stocks will crash if politicians can’t raise the debt ceiling” from Fortune
- “Small businesses raise alarm over default amid debt limit fight” from CBS News
- “U.S. Chamber Calls for Urgent Action on Debt Limit” from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

It’s our May fundraiser. We need to raise $350K to stay on track for this fiscal year, and your gift now can help us reach our goal. Give today.

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For viewers, streaming has ushered in an era of Peak TV with a seemingly endless amount of shows to binge. But, writers on strike say they’re not experiencing the same golden age when it comes to compensation and job stability. And, some streaming companies are struggling to hang on to subscribers in an ultra-competitive market.

This has us wondering: Has streaming broken TV?

On the show today, Kate Fortmueller, professor of entertainment and media studies at the University of Georgia, explains how streaming has changed the way film and TV writers make a living, why studios’ priorities have shifted in the streaming age, and what might be ahead for the industry. Plus, why screenwriters are asking for limits on the use of AI.

In the News Fix: Looking back at a previous writers strike might hint at the impact of the current strike. And, Home Depot says it expects a drop in annual sales for the first time in over a decade. We’ll get into what that might say about the housing market.

Later, a listener shares their experience ordering pizza from an AI bot. Plus, according to another listener, keeping things tidy with young kids is much harder than they had thought.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “The 2023 Writers Strike, Explained” from GQ
- “Why You Should Pay Attention to the Hollywood Writers’ Strike” from The Atlantic
- “The long game between writers and AI” from Politico
- “What Is a Mini Room? Writers Guild Contract Negotiation Focus on Them” from Variety
- “Writers striking worry AI could stymie diversity efforts in Hollywood” from Axios
- “Opinion | Hollywood writers strike risks a lot as TikTok and YouTube loom” from The Washington Post
- “Home Depot Projects First Annual Sales Decline Since 2009” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Home Remodeling Market Projected to Contract by 2024 from the Joint Center for Housing Studies

It’s our May fundraiser. We need to raise $350K to stay on track for this fiscal year, and your gift now can help us reach our goal. Give today.

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Tax season may be over, but we aren’t done talking about taxes. Will free tax filing ever become a reality? We’ll get into the upcoming fight over free filing along with what taxes have to do with the debt ceiling debate and an unusual political fundraising operation. Plus, the daring plan to rescue a “Great Observatory” in space makes us smile.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Tax Prep Company Intuit Ramps Up Lobbying Ahead Of Free File Fight” from Huffpost
Debt limit letter from Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen
Tweet from @davidmwessel about Treasury cash balance projections
“How to Raise $89 Million in Small Donations, and Make It Disappear” from The New York Times
“IRS tests free e-filing system that could compete with tax-prep giants” from The Washington Post
“What to Know About TurboTax Before You File Your Taxes This Year” from ProPublica
“A private company has an audacious plan to rescue NASA’s last ‘Great Observatory'” from ArsTechnica
Mastodon thread from @thomasconnoron the Spitzer telescope
“Ahead of next Starship launch, SpaceX hires key NASA human spaceflight head” from TechCrunch

Is there something that you want to know about the debt limit? Call us with your questions. We’re at 508-UB-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Today is Match Monday! All gifts will be matched up to $20,000, today only. Give now.

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As the Title 42 immigration policy ends at the border, a new immigration law that aims to crackdown on employers who hire undocumented workers has been signed in Florida. We get into the economic implications of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new immigration policy. Then, we haven’t hit the debt-ceiling deadline … yet. But we’re already feeling the pain. Plus, a round of Half-Full/Half-Empty, full of appreciation for mothers.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “South Florida workers already feeling heat of immigration bill” from CBS
- “Here’s how Gov. DeSantis’ new immigration policy could impact Florida economy” from ClickOrlando
- “Italian pasta prices are soaring. Rome is in crisis talks with producers” from CNN
- “Consequences of the Debt-Ceiling Standoff Are Already Here” from Bloomberg
- “Debt limit debate, which puts the nation’s credit and trust on the line, endangers already fragile U.S. economic outlook” from NBC
- “You Can Finally Try Starbucks’ New Olive Oil Coffee in the US—But Why Would You?” from Bon Appétit
- “Elon Musk has found his replacement as CEO of Twitter” from The Verge
- “Behind the mission to preserve Black Twitter” from The 19th
- “3 things you should know about the end of the Covid public health emergency” from Vox
- “Wendy’s Installing Drive-Thru AI Chatbot That Takes Your Order” from Futurism
- “Chocolate is a sweet tradition for Mother’s Day” from Marketplace
- “Customers are being asked to tip even at self check-out” from Insider

It’s our May fundraiser. We need to raise $350K to stay on track for this fiscal year, and your gift now can help us reach our goal. Give today.

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Pacific Western Bank reported a sharp loss of over 9% of its total deposits last week, trailing the failure of First Republic Bank. We’ll discuss what’s behind the lingering banking problems. And, over 3 million viewers tuned in to watch CNN’s town hall event with former President Donald Trump, proving he’s still a ratings magnet. We’ll get into the ethical dilemma of the network’s decision to put Trump on that stage and what it means for the presidential race ahead. Plus, Saildrones and other superstorm hunting gadgets are giving us a glimpse into uncharted territory.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “CNN tops 3 million viewers during Trump Town Hall” from The Hill
- “CNN’s Trump town hall turns into a Trump rally” from Poynter
- “Dianne Feinstein returns and Democrats advance Biden judicial nominees that had been stalled in committee” from CNN Politics
- “PacWest Stock Sinks 23% After Disclosing Fresh Deposit Outflow” from The Wall Street Journal
- “FDIC proposes big banks pay to recover losses in SVB and Signature failures” from Axios
- “The Hurricane and the Saildrone” from The New York Times
- “Turning to drones and other instruments to hunt hurricanes” from Marketplace
- “New blood donation rules allow more gay men to give in US” from AP News

It’s our May fundraiser. We need to raise $350K to stay on track for this fiscal year and your gift now can help us reach our goal. Give today.

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Weeks of violence between the Sudanese army and a powerful paramilitary group in Sudan has triggered an urgent humanitarian crisis and devastated the country’s economy. One listener called to ask how the conflict might impact the global economy. We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions about the U.S. treasurer’s job and how Netflix might dispose of its enormous DVD inventory. Plus, why the end of the helium shortage is still up in the air.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “As Sudan’s conflict continues into its second week, here’s what to know” from NPR
- “Sudan conflict deals new blow to stagnant economy” from Reuters
- “Analysis: UAE, Egypt closer to different sides in Sudan conflict” from Al Jazeera
- “If Sudan’s Conflict Spreads to Chad, the Whole Sahel Is at Risk” from Foreign Policy
- “What the new U.S. Treasurer could mean for Indian Country” from Marketplace
- “History of the Treasury” from the U.S. Department of the Treasury
- “Um … what’s a DVD again?” from Marketplace
- “Netflix Will End Its DVD Service, 5.2 Billion Discs Later” from The New York Times
- “Redbox wants to save Netflix’s DVD business” from The Verge
- “Helium’s been rising — in price — and it’s bringing businesses down” from Marketplace
- “Helium shortage 4.0 – Continuing uncertainty in the market” from Gasworld
- “With helium in short supply, scientists are worried” from Marketplace

If you’ve got a question about business, tech or the economy, give us a shout. We’re at 508-U-B-SMART, or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Child poverty levels fell dramatically — nearly in half — in 2021 with the help of pandemic-era government programs and cash assistance. But with those programs gone, poverty in the United States looks pretty much the same as it has for the past 50 years, despite an overall increase in how much we’re spending on welfare.

This has us wondering: Why is that?

On the show today, sociologist Matthew Desmond, author of “Poverty, by America,” breaks down how the United States became a country with more poverty than other rich democracies, what’s wrong with our welfare system and what really works to reduce poverty. Plus, the role regular Americans play in all of it.

In the News Fix: Following the tragic death of Jordan Neely in New York City, we reflect on the responsibility shared by society at large for allowing unjust systems to remain in place. And, a key player in the global wood pulp industry is considering switching to Chinese currency in its business transactions. We’ll get into what that could mean for the future of the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency.

Later, we’ll hear about an early depiction of a bathroom in the “Star Wars” universe. Plus, one couple shares their perspective on Kai’s “rants.” And, this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question comes from the mom of one of our producers.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Why Poverty Persists in America” from The New York Times
- “Child poverty fell by nearly half in 2021, Census Bureau says” from Marketplace
- “Private opulence, public squalor: How the U.S. helps the rich and hurts the poor” from NPR
- “How many people are really facing poverty in the U.S.?” from Marketplace
- “National Poverty in America Awareness Month: January 2023” from the U.S. Census Bureau
- “The Uncertain Hour” from Marketplace
- “Opinion | Society’s failures on mental health put Jordan Neely on that F train” from The Washington Post
- “World’s Biggest Pulp Producer Suzano Considers Trading With China in Yuan” from Bloomberg
- Mad magazine Issue No. 197, March 1978 from the Internet Archive

Do you have an answer to the Make Me Smart question? We want to hear it. Leave us a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART, and your submission may be featured in a future episode.

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A new week, a new episode, a new report from the Federal Reserve. This time, the aptly named Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey shows banks are pulling back on lending. We’ll break down the survey’s results and explain why some are getting credit crunch vibes. Plus, government workers are suing over the debt limit. And in the Make Me Smile department, we’re decoding emoji and imagining flinging rockets into space.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “California Panel Calls for Billions in Reparations for Black Residents” from The New York Times
- “California panel calls for billions in reparations for descendants of slaves” from NPR
- “Fed report shows banks worried about conditions ahead, with focus on slowing economy and deposit outflows” from CNBC
- “Government employees union sues Yellen, Biden over ‘unconstitutional’ debt limit law” from The Hill
- “Just 37 members of Congress are mothers with minor children” from The 19th
- “ChatFished: How to Lose Friends and Alienate People With A.I.” from The New York Times
- “Why Launch Rockets When You Can Just Fling Them Into Space?” from Bloomberg
- “Spaceflight Pioneer SpinLaunch Aims for Liftoff—No Rocket Fuel Required” from Gizmodo

Have a comment or question about something we talked about? Send it our way! Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or write to makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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It’s jobs report Friday, and it’s time to do the numbers. One data point that stands out: Women’s labor force participation, which is “at a rate never seen before.” We’ll get into what the latest jobs report tells us about this economy and what it might mean for the Federal Reserve’s pledge to help traditionally marginalized groups. Then: Could obesity become a marker of poverty? Plus, a round of Half-Full/Half-Empty about big hats and big ideas.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“U.S. Job Growth Retains Vigor Despite Economic Worries” from The New York Times
“Surprise, not so surprising? Another strong jobs report” from “Marketplace Morning Report”
“How Jenny Craig built a weight-loss empire and battled her speech loss” from The Washington Post
“Why don’t you fix your teeth?” from “This Is Uncomfortable”
“Jenny Craig tells employees it will shut its doors” from NBC
“Novo Nordisk limits Wegovy doses for new patients as demand outpaces supply” from CNN
“Godfather of AI Quits Google, Fears AI’s Risks and Regrets His Work” from Futurism
“How AI true believers are preparing for an economic revolution” from “Marketplace”
“E-SUVs may be popular, but are they sustainable?” from “Marketplace Tech”
“How brands like Birkenstock and Victoria’s Secret stage a comeback” from Marketplace
“Court battle over Ed Sheeran and Marvin Gaye songs could result in ‘less wonderful music’ being made” from “Marketplace Morning Report”
King Charles III’s coronation from the Make Me Smart newsletter

Are you Half-Full or Half-Empty on something we talked about? Or maybe you have a question you would like to share? Send it our way! Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or write to makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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The ethics scandals are piling up on the Supreme Court bench. ProPublica has new revelations on the financial ties between Justice Clarence Thomas and his Republican megadonor friend. We’ll discuss how judicial business is done in the U.S. and whether it’s time to change it up. Also, an addendum to our deep dive on child labor, and we check in on the state of the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, 50 years after Secretariat’s glory days, a story about the horse’s daughter makes us smile.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Jury convicts Proud Boys members of seditious conspiracy in US Capitol attack” from Reuters
- “Clarence Thomas Raised Him. Harlan Crow Paid His Tuition.” from ProPublica
- “The Supreme Court’s corruption crisis goes beyond Clarence Thomas” from Vox
- “Covid deaths dropped in 2022, CDC data shows” from The Washington Post
- “McDonald’s franchisee fined for illegally using workers as young as 10” from AP News
- “A world away from Kentucky Derby glory, Secretariat’s forgotten daughter found a bright future” from The Athletic
- “May stargazing guide: Aquarids and a lunar eclipse” from Popular Science
- “Jedi: Survivor finally takes us inside a Star Wars bathroom” from Polygon

The YouTube livestream is coming back! Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap at 3:30 p.m. PT / 6:30 p.m. ET. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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Like cryptocurrency mining, running an artificial intelligence system like ChatGPT requires an enormous amount of energy and natural resources. One listener asks: How do large language models and crypto compare? We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions about why we can’t just print more money to solve the debt limit dilemma and why the United Kingdom can block two U.S. companies from merging. Plus, a familiar Kai-ism explained.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“AI’s carbon footprint is growing. Is it worth it?” from Marketplace
“Ethereum’s “merge” could help clean crypto’s dirty energy reputation” from Marketplace
“Bitcoin Energy Consumption Index” from Digiconomist
“Can a platinum coin solve the debt-ceiling standoff?” from Marketplace
Janet Yellen Dismisses Minting $1 Trillion Coin to Avoid Default from The Wall Street Journal
“Is the Debt Limit Constitutional? Biden Aides Are Debating It.” from The New York Times
“A UK regulator has blocked the Microsoft-Activision merger. But don’t blame it on Brexit.” from Marketplace
“The UK doesn’t want Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard deal, so what happens next?” from The Verge
“What is Global Compliance and Why Does it Matter?” from Horizons

We want to know what you’d put on a Make Me Smart bingo card. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or write to makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Here’s something we didn’t think we’d be talking about in 2023: child labor. But, here we are.

Since 2018, there’s been a 69 percent increase in children working illegally, according to the Labor Department and hundreds of child labor cases are under investigation. Recent investigations show that many violations involve migrant children working dangerous jobs. At the same time, some states are rolling back child labor protections.

On the show today, The New York Times’ Hannah Dreier explains what child labor looks like today, the multiple forces driving illegal child labor in the United States, and why some states are loosening child labor laws. Plus, how immigration policy changes could help migrant children who depend on the jobs they have.

In the News Fix: A new report projects some serious labor market churn due to advancements in technology in the next 5 years. And, looking back at previous debt-limit standoffs can provide a little insight at how the Fed may handle the one that’s going on now. And, who makes the laws in space?

Later, we’ll hear how one listener’s employer is dealing with ChatGPT. Plus, a Make Me Smart musical mix-up.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Alone and Exploited, Migrant Children Work Brutal Jobs Across the U.S.” from The New York Times
- “Inside the Lives of Immigrant Teens Working Dangerous Night Shifts in Suburban Factories” from ProPublica
- “Child labor violations on the rise as some states look to loosen their rules” from NPR
- “The conservative campaign to rewrite child labor laws” from The Washington Post
- “12-year-olds can’t buy cigarettes — but they can work in tobacco fields” from NPR
- “Labour market ‘churn’ ahead with a quarter of jobs changing by 2027, survey shows” from Reuters
- “The new in-space economy” from “Make Me Smart”
- “More Companies Head to Space, But No One Can Agree on the Rules Up There” from Bloomberg
- “Moon bases, space junk need more rules: NASA, US government officials” from Space
- “Here’s What Treasury, Fed Might Do in a Debt Ceiling Crisis” from The Wall Street Journal

Do you have an answer to the Make Me Smart question? We want to hear it. Leave us a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART, and your submission may be featured in a future episode.

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The Treasury Department announced today that the U.S. could default on its debt as early as June 1. For the past few months, House Republicans have used the debt limit as a bargaining chip to secure spending cuts. As the new deadline looms over us, we are wondering: Is there a way out? And, an unassuming Supreme Court case could change how a slew of laws are interpreted. Plus, video-chatting parrots make us smile.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “The Luring Test: AI and the engineering of consumer trust” from the Federal Trade Commission
- “Supreme Court will consider major case on power of federal regulatory agencies” from SCOTUSblog
- “U.S. must raise debt limit by as early as June 1 to avoid default, Treasury says” from The Washington Post
- “The U.S. could hit the debt ceiling by June 1, much sooner than expected, Yellen warns” from NBC
- “Trump to appear at CNN town hall in New Hampshire” from CNN
- “NASA’s Perseverance rover loses its hitchhiking ‘pet rock’ after more than a year together on Mars” from Live Science
- “Scientists Taught Pet Parrots to Video Call Each Other—and the Birds Loved It” from Smithsonian magazine

Have a comment or question about something we talked about? Send it our way! Leave us a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART or write to makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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As the United States edges closer to the deadline for a debt default, Wall Street speculators are hoping to capitalize on a crisis by trading credit-default swaps (shivers). We’ll talk about what they are and their role in the 2007-2009 Financial Crisis. Then, California passed a landmark zero-emission rule, but electrifying the state will come with some challenges. Plus, a round of Half-Full/Half-Empty that we hope gets us invited to Bluesky.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Bets Offering 2,400% Payout on US Default Lure Growing Crowd” from Bloomberg
- “California air regulators approve landmark zero-emission rules for trucks and locomotives” from the Los Angeles Times
- “California moves to phase-out diesel-powered trucks, cut locomotive pollution” from Reuters
- “Grandchildren of ‘Sound of Music’ Von Trapp Family Form Indie Band” from Rolling Stone
- “What’s the future of retail shopping? Snap bets on virtual try-on tech.” from Marketplace
- “The Long Demise of the Stretch Limousine” from The New York Times
- “People Are Flocking to Jack Dorsey’s New Twitter Alternative” from Futurism
- “The Glorious Return of a Humble Car Feature” from Slate
- “The Real Problem With Fake Drake” from Billboard

If you’ve got a question about business, tech or the economy, give us a shout. We’re at 508-U-B-SMART, or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Leaked documents show Russia could fund another year of war with Ukraine despite a whole lot of U.S. sanctions designed to throw a wrench in the Russian economy. Plus, diesel prices are half what they were a year ago. We’ll get into why gas prices are falling and what it signals about the direction of the economy. And, to keep or not to keep butter in the fridge?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Russia can fund war in Ukraine for another year despite sanctions, leaked document says” from The Washington Post
- “Sliding Diesel Prices Signal Warning for U.S. Economy” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Fed’s Jerome Powell Tricked by Russian Pranksters Posing as Zelenskiy” from Bloomberg
- “Fed’s Powell spoke with prankster posing as Ukraine’s Zelenskyy” from Politico
- “The Battle Over Refrigerating Butter: ‘Enough Is Enough’” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Ya Ya, Panda at Center of Anti-American Rage in China, Is Heading Home” from Newsweek

Got a question about the economy, business or technology? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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After Fox Corp. agreed to a jaw-dropping $787 million payout to settle a defamation case brought by Dominion Voting Systems, one listener thought to ask: Can insurance cover that? We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions about how the re-start of student loan payments might affect the economy and the complicated bond market. Plus, what’s up with all the matte, earth tone car colors?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “How does one pay a $787 million settlement?” from Marketplace
- “Fox’s settlement with Dominion unlikely to cost it $787.5M” from AP News
- “Biden’s Education Department is planning for student-loan borrowers to resume payments in October — and companies would begin charging interest a month before” from Business Insider
- “What will the end of the pause on student loan payments mean for retailers?” from Marketplace
- “Will student loan forgiveness make inflation worse?” from Vox
- “Biden White House Keeps Student Loan Payments at Bay Amid Inflation” from The New York Times
- “What’s happening to the color of L.A. cars? Inside the obsession with muted earth tones” from The LA Times
- “Why Do Bond Prices and Yields Move in Opposite Directions?” from The Balance Money

Got a question for our hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Today we’re talking about the wave of anti-trans legislation that lawmakers are pushing through at virtually all levels of government.

Over 500 bills targeting the LGBTQ+ community have been introduced this year alone — that’s a record number. On the show today, independent journalist and trans rights activist Erin Reed breaks down the swath of legislation seeking to restrict the rights of trans people, what gender-affirming care actually means and the political and economic implications of these bills. Plus, what gives Reed hope for the future of the trans community in the United States.

In the News Fix: Guest host Amy Scott discusses the latest trends in the housing market, including what’s happening with home prices and new construction. Plus, new research looks at how ChatGPT impacts employee productivity. We’ll get into how creative industries might grapple with AI tools in the workplace.

Later, one listener shares how volunteering unexpectedly changed their life. Plus, a tip for cat lovers. And, this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question comes from Yanely Espinal, host of Marketplace’s new “Financially Inclined” podcast.

- “Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislatures” from the American Civil Liberties Union
- “2023 anti-trans bills” from Trans Legislation Tracker
- “Missouri due to be first state to restrict adult gender-affirming care” from NPR
- “Trans Adults Officially Being Detransitioned In Missouri: ‘I’m Scared And Don’t Know What To Do'” from Erin Reed’s Substack
- “Anti-Trans and Anti-Abortion Activists Use the Same Playbook” from Intelligencer
- “Majority of Americans reject anti-trans bills, but support for this restriction is rising” from PBS NewsHour
- “Factors Leading to ‘Detransition’ Among Transgender and Gender Diverse People in the United States: A Mixed-Methods Analysis” from LGBT Health
- “Tennessee’s anti-drag law comes with economic costs” from Marketplace
- “U.S. home prices rise for first time in 8 months, Case-Shiller says” from MarketWatch
- “US New-Home Sales Unexpectedly Increase to a One-Year High” from Bloomberg
- “Storytellers at a Los Angeles planetarium join the union representing Broadway actors” from NPR
- “Office Overachievers Won’t Be Happy About ChatGPT, Study Says” from Gizmodo

Do you have an answer to the Make Me Smart question? We want to hear it. Leave us a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART, and your submission may be featured in a future episode.

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Two popular TV anchors are out of a job. CNN’s Don Lemon and Fox News’ Tucker Carlson were both ousted today as cable continues to lose viewers and advertisers to the ever-growing world of streaming. We’ll get into what the anchor departures could mean for the future of cable news. Then, what younger workers might be missing by WFH. And a Make Me Smile that might have more millennials saying, “Cheeeese.”

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“What Young Workers Miss Without the ‘Power of Proximity’” from The New York Times
“Young remote workers are missing out on crucial IRL feedback from colleagues” from Insider
“Tucker Carlson departs Fox News, pushed out by Rupert Murdoch” from LA Times
“Tucker Carlson is out at Fox News, and what matters is why” from NiemanLab
“Don Lemon and CNN part ways” from CNN
“Don Lemon’s Misogyny at CNN, Exposed: Malicious Texts, Mocking Female Co-Workers and ‘Diva-Like Behavior’” from Variety
“A TikToker explains why millennials are so bad at posing and Gen Z is so good at it — and it’s changing how I take pictures” from Insider
“I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Spray labeling is not misleading, appellate court rules” from Food Dive
“Remember Spray Butter? Here’s What Actually Happened To The Beloved ’90s Condiment” from Delish

Do you have a burning question that you want to ask us or a comment about something we talked about? Call us at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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We weren’t planning to talk about Twitter today, but here we are! We’re rereading a story from late last year about the folks who helped Elon Musk buy Twitter and the ways that what’s happened to Twitter since then may align with the desires of those backers. And what will replace Twitter for building the influence of its users … like journalists? We’ll also talk about an alarming story from The Washington Post about a GOP lawyer’s ideas to limit voting in key battleground states like Wisconsin. And we look at indicators that life (and the economy) is returning to a pre-pandemic normal for some. Plus, a round of Half Full / Half Empty featuring ChatGPT’s “Seinfeld.”

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Top GOP lawyer decries ease of campus voting in private pitch to RNC” from The Washington Post
- “Twitter Frees Its Hostages” from New York magazine
- “NYC Subway Ridership Hits 4 Million For the First Time Since March 2020” from Bloomberg
- “Governor Hochul Announces Subway Ridership Surpasses 4 Million Riders in Single Day” from New York state website
- “More movies, more variety, more money: The box office is catching up to pre-Covid levels” from CNBC
- “You can pay your taxes in cash — if you’re up for the challenge” from Marketplace
- “Reddit to start charging AI companies for data” from Marketplace
- “Employers rely on internships as a recruiting tool in tight labor market” from Marketplace
- “Rising restaurant prices aren’t stopping Americans from ‘revenge dining'” from Marketplace
- “Streaming changed the Hollywood landscape. Now its writers are voting to go on strike” from NPR
- Tweet from @EdKrassen on ChatGPT’s “Seinfeld” episode

If you’ve got a question about the economy, business or technology, let us know. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org, or leave us a message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Kai Ryssdal shares a story about parking at the movies and brushing up against an unpleasant economic indicator: the repo man. It illustrates how more Americans are falling behind on their car payments, which can have ripple effects throughout the economy. Plus, Tennessee state Rep. Scotty Campbell resigned after an ethics investigation found he’d violated workplace discrimination and harassment policy. Campbell, a Republican, is one of the lawmakers who voted to oust two Black lawmakers from the chamber over their protests against gun violence. And, Kimberly Adams reminisces about cooking on her George Foreman Grill.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “The Repo Man Returns as More Americans Fall Behind on Car Payments” from Bloomberg
- “More people are falling behind on car payments, and the consequences can be severe” from NPR
- “California to Supply Most Water Since 2006 After Winter Deluge” from Bloomberg
- “California increases water supply allocation to 100%” from CBS Sacramento
- “Tennessee GOP lawmaker resigns after ethics panel finding” from AP News
- “REVEALED: GOP leader, who voted to expel TN Three, resigns; found guilty of sexually harassing interns” from News Channel 5 Nashville
- “Family of Louisville bank shooter wants his rifle destroyed” from AP News
- “SpaceX’s uncrewed Starship explodes on launch attempt” from CNN
- “I Really Miss My George Foreman Grill” from Eater
- “‘Big George Foreman’ Trailer: Boxer Gets New Movie From Sony” from Variety

“Make Me Smart” has been nominated for a Webby Award, and voting ends today. Go to to marketplace.org/votemms to cast your vote.

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Earlier this month, the International Monetary Fund put out its weakest medium-term projection for global economic growth since 1990. This had one listener wondering: How accurate are the IMF’s predictions? We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions, like why the U.S. Postal Service still delivers six days a week and what is the carbon footprint of space travel. Plus, we’ll explain why the Federal Reserve is losing billions every week.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The IMF’s 5-year growth forecast is its weakest since 1990” from Quartz
“IMF Forecasts: Process, Quality, and Country Perspectives” from the International Monetary Fund
“Economic Forecasting Is Really Difficult. Just Ask the IMF” from Bloomberg
“The U.S. Postal Service and Six-Day Delivery: History, Issues, and Current Legislation” from the Congressional Research Service
“Six-days-a-week mail delivery saved; Biden signs Postal bill” from AP News
“Formerly a cash cow, the Fed is now losing ‘about $2 billion a week’” from Marketplace
“What if the Federal Reserve books losses because of its quantitative easing?” from the Brookings Institution
“The pollution caused by rocket launches” from the BBC
“How the billionaire space race could be one giant leap for pollution” from The Guardian
“Fact check: Jeff Bezos’ New Shepard rocket launch didn’t emit carbon” from USA Today

“Make Me Smart” has been nominated for a Webby Award! We are honored, but we can’t win without your support. You can vote for “Make Me Smart” until Thursday by going to marketplace.org/votemms.

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Today, we’re talking about two topics near and dear to our hearts: space and economics. Over the last several years, NASA’s Artemis program and the commercialization of space have given rise to a large and growing space economy estimated at $400 billion. We’ll talk with Namrata Goswami, co-author of “Scramble for the Skies: The Great Power Competition to Control the Resources of Outer Space,” about the state and evolution of the space economy. In the News Fix: Are we seeing signs of a slowing economy? And bye-bye barcodes. Then, this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question sent Kimberly down a rabbit hole.
Note: Fox News reached a settlement in the defamation lawsuit brought by Dominion Voting Systems after this show was recorded.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Among the goals of Artemis I: launching the lunar economy” from Marketplace
- “The Commercial Space Age Is Here” from Harvard Business Review
- “QR-style ‘2D barcodes’ will revolutionize retail as we know it” from Axios
- “Fox News, Dominion reach settlement” from The Washington Post
- “Fox News and Dominion reach a settlement” from NBC News
- “Biggest US banks write off $3.4 billion in bad consumer loans” from Bloomberg
- “More US consumers are falling behind on payments” from Reuters

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The extensive use of the dollar around the world has helped to maintain a strong U.S. economy. But recent discussions about the dollar’s declining use has some people worried that another currency may take its place. We get into what it means for the dollar to be the world’s reserve currency and why the concern might be overblown. Plus, what the economy has to do with a shortage of volunteers. And, why small acts of kindness make us smile.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “The U.S. Dollar as an International Currency and Its Economic Effects” from the Congressional Budget Office
- “The Offshore World According To FACTA” from the National Bureau of Economic Research
- “Nonprofits scramble for help amid dearth of volunteers” from AP News
- “Small acts of kindness matter more than you think” from Vox
- “Highlights From SpaceX’s Scrubbed Starship Rocket Launch Attempt” from The New York Times
- “SpaceX calls off today’s launch of Starship” from CNN
- “George Santos Says He Will Run for Re-election in 2024” from The New York Times
- “George Santos launches 2024 reelection bid” from Politico

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It is estimated that at some point this year, India’s population will surpass that of China’s. This means that India will not only be the biggest democracy, but also the most populous country. We get into how this change could alter the economic and political balance of the world. And, could unexplained flying objects be aliens? A senior Pentagon official has a theory. Plus, a round of Half-Full/Half-Empty that has us thinking deeply about Tupperware.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Ghana is the first country to approve Oxford’s malaria vaccine” from Popular Science
- “New rule to block Missouri library funding set to go into effect May 30” from St Louis Post-Dispatch
- “Alien motherships: Pentagon official floats a theory for unexplained sightings” from Politico
- “India’s Population Surpasses China’s, Shifting the World’s ‘Center of Gravity’” from The Wall Street Journal
- “How India will overtake China to become the most populous country” from Al Jazeera
- “Pickleball’s popularity presents equity challenges for city governments” from Marketplace
- “Is Substack Notes a ‘Twitter clone’? We asked CEO Chris Best” from The Verge
- “Can ‘milk core’ get Gen Z to drink its liquid dairy?” from Marketplace
- “What Tupperware’s money problems say about direct selling” from Marketplace
- “A Nation Tries to Impose Cat Curfews. Fur Is Flying.” from The Wall Street Journal

“Make Me Smart” has been nominated for a Webby Award! We are honored, but we can’t win without your support. You can vote for “Make Me Smart” until April 20 by going to marketplace.org/votemms.

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Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Ghana is the first country to approve Oxford’s malaria vaccine” from Popular Science
- “New rule to block Missouri library funding set to go into effect May 30” from St Louis Post-Dispatch
- “Alien motherships: Pentagon official floats a theory for unexplained sightings” from Politico
- “India’s Population Surpasses China’s, Shifting the World’s ‘Center of Gravity’” from The Wall Street Journal
- “How India will overtake China to become the most populous country” from Al Jazeera
- “Pickleball’s popularity presents equity challenges for city governments” from Marketplace
- “Is Substack Notes a ‘Twitter clone’? We asked CEO Chris Best” from The Verge
- “Can ‘milk core’ get Gen Z to drink its liquid dairy?” from Marketplace
- “What Tupperware’s money problems say about direct selling” from Marketplace
- “A Nation Tries to Impose Cat Curfews. Fur Is Flying.” from The Wall Street Journal

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After dozens of classified documents were uploaded to an online gaming chat group, the FBI has arrested a suspect in connection with the leak. We’ll get into some of the digital breadcrumbs the suspect left behind and why there may be no such thing as anonymity on the internet. Then, the plot thickens in the Clarence Thomas scandal. Plus, what do Queen Latifah, Daddy Yankee and Super Mario have in common?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- Here’s what we know about the leader of the online group where secret documents were leaked from The New York Times
- “US arrests suspect behind leak of Pentagon documents” from The Guardian
- “Billionaire Harlan Crow Bought Property From Clarence Thomas. The Justice Didn’t Disclose the Deal.” from ProPublica
- “In a Growing Share of U.S. Marriages, Husbands and Wives Earn About the Same” from Pew Research Center
- “You Should’ve Asked” comic
- “That Famous Black Hole Just Got Bigger and Darker” from The New York Times
- “Inside Rupert Murdoch’s Succession Drama” from Vanity Fair
- “Rupert Murdoch’s divorce settlement had a whole ‘Don’t talk to the Succession writers’ clause” from AV Club
- “Queen Latifah and the Super Mario Bros just made history together” from AV Club

“Make Me Smart” has been nominated for a Webby Award! We are honored, but we can’t win without your support. You can vote for “Make Me Smart” from now until April 20 by going to marketplace.org/votemms.

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On this Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday, we’re going to turning over the mics to our sister podcast Million Bazillion, the show that answers questions kids have about money. In today’s episode, hosts Ryan and Bridget are tackling a question about the gender wage gap. If you missed our recent deep dive on the topic, this kid friendly version will make you just as smart. It even includes a cameo from our Kimberly!

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In the span of just a few months, tech companies have released a plethora of new artificial intelligence products that are already influencing our digital lives. It all seems to be happening really, really fast, and it has us wondering: Are we at an inflection point with AI?

“I do think it rises to that level of the printing press or the internet, where it’s this tool that fundamentally shapes everything we do, how we think, how we interact with the world. So, I kind of see it influencing everything that happens going forward,” said Kyle Chayka, technology and culture writer at The New Yorker.

On the show today: How some folks are starting to use AI tools in their day-to-day lives, what ChatGPT can and can’t do well (yet), and why toying around with chatbots or image generators might help us feel a little less afraid of AI technologies. Plus, why it’s a big deal that so many of us fell for the viral AI-generated photo of the pope in a Balenciaga coat.

In the News Fix: The tech community is divided over how to safely develop new AI tools, and the federal government is jumping into the debate by taking early steps toward AI policy recommendations. Plus, what you need to know about charging your phone in public.

Later, one listener shares what ChatGPT had to say about “Make Me Smart.” And another listener tells us what they got wrong about a little-known side effect of eating asparagus.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Bing A.I. and the Dawn of the Post-Search Internet” from The New Yorker
- “A.I. Pop Culture Is Already Here” from The New Yorker
- “Elon Musk, Other AI Experts Call for Pause in Technology’s Development” from The Wall Street Journal
- “AI might not steal your job, but it could change it” from MIT Technology Review
- “How AI Chatbots Are Helping Some People Have Hard Conversations” from The New York Times
- “Doomsday to utopia: Meet AI’s rival factions” from The Washington Post
- “The AI factions of Silicon Valley” from Semaphor
- “Commerce Department looks to craft AI safety rules” from Axios
- “FBI warns against using public phone charging stations” from NBC News

We’ve been nominated for the Webbys! Help us bring home a win for the best business podcast. You can vote for “Make Me Smart” from now until April 20 by going to marketplace.org/votemms.

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A mass shooting in Louisville, Kentucky, reminds us of an unfortunate reality: They’re becoming routine. As we discussed in a recent deep dive, the AR-15, the most popular weapon in the consumer market, is often used in mass shootings and has fueled debates on what should be done. Then: Crypto mining presents a huge environmental problem, but there are alternatives. And: A unique solution to the Pythagorean theorem makes us smile.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Gunman Kills 4 Co-workers at Louisville, Ky., Bank on Livestream, Police Say” from The New York Times
“Gunman livestreamed mass shooting at Louisville bank that left 4 dead and 9 wounded, police say” from CNN
“Pfizer, Biogen among hundreds of US drugmakers calling for abortion pill ruling reversal” from Reuters
“Why the GOP isn’t celebrating this major antiabortion ruling” from The Washington Post
“The Real-World Costs of the Digital Race for Bitcoin” from The New York Times
“An environmentally friendly model for crypto mining shows promise” from “Marketplace Tech”
“With ‘the merge,‘ ethereum tries to set a greener example for crypto” from “Marketplace”
“New Orleans East teens make ‘impossible’ mathematical discovery unproven for 2,000 years” from WWL
“2 High School Students Prove Pythagorean Theorem. Here’s What That Means” from Scientific American
“Can ChatGPT Decipher Fedspeak?” from SSRN
Have I Been Encoded?

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Recently, the United States’ economic policies have focused on America first. But those policies and the promise of bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. could jeopardize the very thing they seek: a stronger U.S. economy. We get into the ways American protectionism could backfire. And, expelling a member of a state legislature is a rare occurrence; Tennessee did it twice in a day. Plus, we double jump into a game of Half-Full/Half-Empty.Here’s everything we talked about today:

- - It is alcohol responsibility month! from Responsibility.org - “BAC Calculator: The Virtual Bar” from Responsibility.org - “America’s Zero-Sum Economics Doesn’t Add Up” from Foreign Policy - “TN House expels two Dems over gun protest, despite removal looking temporary” from Tennessee Lookout - Tweet from @jhollymc on the Tennessee General Assembly expelling two representatives - A photo of Sabri’s ceramic art that was featured in the “Dungeons & Dragons” movie - “Elon Musk replaced Twitter’s bird logo with the ‘doge’ meme” from KOMO News - “Potatoes sprout as cheaper Easter egg substitute” from Axios - “Has the banking crisis been a boon for crypto?” from Marketplace - Video game adaptations are on the rise from the Make Me Smart newsletter

“Make Me Smart” has been nominated for a Webby Award! We are honored, but we can’t win without your support. You can vote for “Make Me Smart” from now until April 20 by going to webbyawards.com

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A ProPublica investigation found that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has secretly been taking luxury vacations on a billionaire Republican donor’s dime for more than two decades. We’ll explain why these undisclosed gifts could be a serious ethical breach. Plus, guest host Sabri Ben-Achour, our resident plant expert, shares news of a rare corpse flower bloom in New York City. And, a Lizzo cameo.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Clarence Thomas Secretly Accepted Luxury Trips From GOP Donor” from ProPublica
- “Airbus to Double Production in China as It Moves Ahead With New Orders” from The New York Times
- “Airbus widens its lead over Boeing in China with plans for second finishing line there” from CNN Business
- “Corpse flower blooms at New York Botanical Garden” from CBS News
- “Lizzo ‘Cried All Day’ After Nabbing ‘The Mandalorian’ Role” from Billboard

“Make Me Smart” has been nominated for a Webby Award! We are honored, but we can’t win without your support. You can vote for Make Me Smart from now until April 20 by going to webbyawards.com.

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Former President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign says it raised $7 million since his indictment. His campaign is pulling out all the stops to capitalize on his legal troubles — including T-shirts with a faux mug shot. One listener called in to ask if those donor funds can be used to pay his lawyers. We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions about the value of clean water and why banks have been slow to raise savings interest rates. Plus, what was all that i bond hype from last year about?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Trump campaign says it raised more than $4 million in the 24 hours after his indictment” from NBC News
- “Trump has already spent millions from donors to cover legal fees.” from The New York Times
- “How Trump Draws on Campaign Funds to Pay Legal Bills” from The New York Times
- “Global costs and benefits of drinking-water supply and sanitation interventions to reach the MDG target and universal coverage” from the World Health Organization
- “Clean Water” from Our World in Data
- “Why the $626.25M settlement may not be enough for survivors of Flint water crisis” from NBC News
- “EPA’s 6th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment” from the Environmental Protection Agency
- “Why has it taken so long for savings account interest rates to start rising?” from Marketplace
- “US Banks Are Finally Being Forced to Raise Rates on Deposits” from Bloomberg
- “Why CDs are music to banks’ ears right now” from Marketplace
- “Many Banks Pay High Rates on Savings. So Why Aren’t You Moving Your Money?” from The New York Times
- “Buyers snap up U.S. Treasury I bonds before interest rate deadline” from Marketplace
- “Procrastinators, Rejoice: The 6.89% I bonds Will Beat the Old 9.62% Bonds in Just 4 Years” from Yahoo Finance

Make Me Smart has been nominated for a Webby Award! We are honored, but we can’t win without your support. You can vote for Make Me Smart from now until April 20 by going to webbyawards.com.

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Today we’re talking about the weapon we seem to talk about after every mass shooting in the United States: the AR-15.

The AR-15 is the most popular rifle on the consumer market. An estimated 1 in 20 American adults owns at least one.

But, it wasn’t always this way. In fact, the AR-15’s rise in popularity is pretty recent, and when the gun first became available to consumers, it was something of a black sheep.

On the show today, Washington Post reporter Todd Frankel walks us through how the AR-15 went from military weapon to consumer product, the marketing that boosted its appeal and what the AR-15 signifies to a country plagued by gun violence.

In the News Fix: Finland is the newest member of NATO. We’ll get into what that means for Russia’s war in Ukraine. And, some news you can use: There are significant delays for passport processing at the State Department. If you’re planning an international trip, renew your passport ASAP!

Later, one listener shares a piece of trivia about cherry blossom trees in Tokyo. Plus, another listener sent us a stunning photo of cherry blossoms in Seattle. And, this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question comes from NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman, commander of the Artemis II mission to the moon.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “How the AR-15 became a powerful political, cultural symbol in America” from The Washington Post
- “Analysis | Decades of marketing reinvented the AR-15 into a top-selling firearm” from The Washington Post
- “Nashville attack renews calls for assault weapons ban – data shows there were fewer mass shooting deaths during an earlier 10-year prohibition” from The Conversation
- “The Rifle That Ruined America” from The Atlantic
- “Hoping to Travel Abroad? Don’t Put Off Your Passport Application.” from The New York Times
- “Passport Processing Times Just Increased Due to Summer Travel Demand” from Thrillist
- “Finland joins NATO in major blow to Russia over Ukraine war” from AP News
- “Why did Sanna Marin lose Finland’s election?” from The Guardian

What have you been wrong about lately? We want to hear it. Leave us a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART, and your submission may be featured in a future episode.

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Donald Trump made headlines last week, when news broke out that he had been indicted. The news helped him fundraise over $4 million in just 24 hours. Now, politicians and parties are using the indictment to rake in big bucks. Even Meta is benefiting. And, ChatGPT could revolutionize the world, but Italy has some concerns. Plus, dinosaurs had what?!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “ChatGPT Banned in Italy Over Data-Privacy Concerns” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Italian regulators order ChatGPT ban over alleged violation of data privacy laws” from The Verge
- “Millions on Medicaid May Soon Lose Coverage as Pandemic Protections Expire” from The New York Times
- “Millions will start losing Medicaid coverage as Covid safety net is dismantled” from CNBC
- “Meta is profiting from Trump’s ads that fundraise off of his indictment” from Media Matters
- “Trump’s fundraising efforts after indictment pay off, with over $4 million raised” from The Hill
- “Adam Schiff called out by MSNBC host for fundraising off Trump indictment” from Fox News
- “NASA Names Astronauts to Next Moon Mission, First Crew Under Artemis” from NASA
- “T. Rex Had Lips That Concealed Its Teeth, Study Says” from Smithsonian magazine
- “Theropod dinosaur facial reconstruction and the importance of soft tissues in paleobiology” from Science

If you’ve got a question about the economy, business or technology, let us know. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org, or leave us a message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Today’s News Fix comes with a side of cherry blossom-themed cocktails: New survey data shows that while most workers in the United States value paid time off, nearly half aren’t using all their vacation time. We’ll get into what the new research says about norms in the American workforce. And, it’s Trans Day of Visibility. We’ll explore how the LGBTQ+ community experiences the economy differently and how language shapes discussions of LGBTQ+ issues. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full / Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “A guide to words related to gender identity and sexual orientation” from The Washington Post
- “The LGBTQI+ Economic and Financial Survey” from the Center for LGBTQ Economic Advancement & Research
- “Nearly half of American workers don’t take all of their PTO” from Business Insider
- “How Americans View Their Jobs” from Pew Research
- “How 3D printing could revolutionize auto manufacturing” from Marketplace
- “Why CDs are music to banks’ ears right now” from Marketplace
- “Could return-free tax filing actually be on the horizon?” from Marketplace
- “Ramen for breakfast? Cup Noodles’ new flavor tastes like egg, sausage and maple syrup pancakes” from CNBC

We can’t do this without you! Please keep sending us your comments and questions by calling 508-U-B-SMART or emailing makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Donald Trump has become the first former president to be charged with a crime. A Manhattan grand jury indicted Trump after hearing evidence about payments given to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels during his 2016 election run. We’ll discuss the significance of the case and what may follow in the days and week’s ahead. Plus, an age-defying story that made us smile.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Trump indicted by N.Y. grand jury, first ex-president charged with crime” from The Washington Post
- “Donald Trump indicted; 1st ex-president charged with crime” from AP News
- “U.S. Considers Asking Black Americans on Census if They Are Slave Descendants” from The Wall Street Journal
- “High egg prices send profits at largest US producer soaring more than 700%” from CNN
- “Egg Producers Accused of Price Gouging After 718% Profit Revealed” from Newsweek
- “Eggflation rate lower, milk prices decrease, in February 2023” from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- “Coloring eggs, eating fesikh: how Egyptians celebrate Sham El-Nessim?” from Egypt Today
- “How low unemployment lifts workers at the bottom” from Marketplace
- “Lamborghini’s plug-in hybrid supercar runs for a cool six miles in electric-only mode” from Engadget
- “Japanese Surfer, 89, Still Plans To Be Catching Waves At 100” from Huffpost

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap and the cherry blossom festival! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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In times of financial turbulence, banks head to the Federal Reserve’s (virtual) discount window for short-term emergency loans. The week after SVB failed, U.S. banks borrowed over $150 billion from the central bank. One listener called in to ask: Why didn’t SVB do the same? We’ll get into SVB’s fruitless attempt to secure rescue funds and answer more of your questions about faux job openings and what really counts as consumer spending. Plus, what should you look for in a personal financial adviser?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “What Is the Fed Discount Window and Why Are Banks Using It So Much?” from The Washington Post
- “How the Last-Ditch Effort to Save Silicon Valley Bank Failed” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Job Listings Abound, but Many Are Fake” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Survey: Job Seekers Beware of Ghost Jobs” from Clarify Capital
- “The Fed monitors job openings for inflation decisions. But many listings aren’t real.” from CBS News
- “Why job openings data might not mean what we think it means” from Marketplace
- “Consumer Spending” from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
- “Introduction to U.S. Economy: Consumer Spending” from the Congressional Research Service
- “Fiduciary Definition: Examples and Why They Are Important” from Investopedia
- “Regulators Revive 401(k) Fiduciary Effort in New Legal Landscape” from Bloomberg Law
- Laura Adams’ “Money Girl” podcast”

Got a question about the economy, business or technology? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Today, women in the United States are paid 22% less than men on average. Twenty years ago, that number looked about the same, despite women’s many advancements in education and the workforce.

The gender pay gap is stark, stubborn and often misunderstood in its intricacies.

On the show today, Elise Gould, senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute, unpacks why the gender pay gap hasn’t really budged in the last two decades, what people get wrong about it and what needs to change to finally close it.

In the News Fix: One Republican lawmaker is stalling military promotions to keep service members from getting better access to abortion care. His colleagues are not pleased. And, the Senate has started hearings on the failures of SVB and Signature Bank. We’ll discuss the mind-blowing speed of the banks’ meltdowns and the group chat behind it all.

Later, one listener tells us about a restaurant subscription they love. And in the spirit of cherry blossom season, this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question comes from Diana Parsell, author of “Eliza Scidmore: The Trailblazing Journalist Behind Washington’s Cherry Trees.”

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- It’s Equal Pay Day. The salary gap between men and women isn’t shrinking. from NPR
- “‘Women’s work’ and the gender pay gap: How discrimination, societal norms, and other forces affect women’s occupational choices—and their pay” from the Economic Policy Institute
- “As Women Take Over a Male-Dominated Field, the Pay Drops” from The New York Times
- “Gender pay gap figures: debunking the myths” from The Guardian
- “Why do some people get paid more than others?” from Marketplace’s “Million Bazillion”
- “The Republican senator who is stifling the Pentagon over abortion” from Punchbowl News
- “Defense chief slams Tuberville’s hold on Pentagon nominees over abortion policy” from The Hill
- “‘It’s a powerful effect’: Austin fires back at GOP senator’s blockade of military promotions” from Politico
- “US Officials Signal New Rules for Banks After SVB, Signature Failures” from Bloomberg
- “Senate holds its first hearing into SVB and Signature Bank failures” from NBC News
- The FTC wants to make it easy to cancel subscriptions from The Washington Post
- Diana Parsell’s “Eliza Scidmore: The Trailblazing Journalist Behind Washington’s Cherry Trees”

What have you been wrong about lately? We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question! Leave us a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART, and your submission may be featured in a future episode.

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It was a tough news day. The school shooting in Nashville is the latest mass shooting in the United States. There have been 130 mass shootings this year alone. We’ll talk about what happened in Nashville and the role of the AR-15 in America’s gun violence history.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “3 children, 3 adults killed in shooting at Nashville private school” from PBS NewsHour
- 2023 gun violence statistics from Gun Violence Archive
- “We spent 7 months examining the AR-15’s role in America. Here’s what we learned.” from The Washington Post
- (Some of the images in this article may be disturbing.) “The Blast Effect: This is how bullets from an AR-15 blow the body apart” from The Washington Post

We always want to hear from you. Send us your thoughts and questions by calling 508-U-B-SMART or emailing us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Oops! How did nearly $2 million worth of nickel owned by JPMorgan Chase turn out to be just bags of rocks? We’ll give you the TL;DR on commodity trading and tell JPMorgan’s tale of woe. And, the House passed a piece of GOP-backed legislation that’s in line with many conservative politicians’ push to limit what can be taught and read in schools. While the bill won’t make it through a Democratic Senate, it could still be used as a political tool. Plus, a round of Half Full/Half Empty with a surprise guest host!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “JPMorgan’s Mystery ‘Nickel’ Rocks: The Hunt for Clues Begins With a Kick” from Bloomberg
- “JPMorgan Had Some Fake Nickel” from Bloomberg
- “Parents Bill of Rights: 5 things to know about the House GOP’s legislation” from The Hill
- “House passes the GOP’s Parents Bill of Rights measure opposed by Biden” from NBC News
- “Twitter claims ‘legacy’ blue checkmarks will start to disappear on April Fools’ Day” The Verge
- Moderna will charge around $130 for its COVID vaccine — and Congress isn’t too happy
- “Subway’s Footlong Pass is back as more restaurants test subscriptions” from Axios
- “These New Yorkers Hate the New ‘We ❤️ NYC’ Logo” from The New York Times
- “WGA Would Allow Artificial Intelligence in Scriptwriting, as Long as Writers Maintain Credit” from Variety
- “Our Film Critic on Why He’s Done With the Movies” from The Daily

We can’t do this without you! Please keep sending us your comments and questions by calling 508-U-B-SMART or emailing makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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The Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S., which monitors foreign investments in this country, usually keeps its work secret. But during today’s congressional TikTok hearing, it released a statement saying that it takes data security seriously. The unusual comment, and how the federal government has been dealing with TikTok, has us wondering: What are we missing? Plus, we become nostalgic for Blockbuster and its catchy jingle.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “With no merger deal, failed SPAC faces lawsuit over legal fees” from Reuters
- “Will ChatGPT Break Notice and Comment for Regulations?” from George Washington University
- “US Regulator Warns About Data Security During TikTok Hearing” from Bloomberg
- “The internet rediscovered Blockbuster’s website. Press play on nostalgia.” from The Washington Post
- “Washington’s cherry blossoms are in peak bloom” from The Washington Post

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. PT / 6:30 p.m. ET. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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Following the failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told Congress the United States banking system is healthy — for now — but a debt limit breach would throw it back into chaos. One listener asked if the recent banking hubbub might get Congress to finally take action on the debt ceiling. We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions about what makes credit unions different from banks and why it’s so hard to turn office buildings into apartments. And, what’s in a Kai Ryssdal sandwich?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Yellen: Debt limit breach would be ‘devastating’ for banks” from Roll Call
- “U.S. Treasury says record FDIC cash draw won’t affect debt ceiling ‘X-date'” from Reuters
- “U.S. government assures on bank deposits, but debt ceiling still looms” from Axios
- “Credit Unions vs. Banks: Which One Is the Best for You?” from Investopedia
- “Failed bank fallout could open doors for credit unions. Here’s what to know” from AZ Central
- “Can empty office space help solve the housing shortage?” from Marketplace
- “So You Want to Turn an Office Building Into a Home?” from The New York Times
- “Churches convert to rentals as young people leave the flock” from Marketplace
- “Why Office-to-Apartment Conversions are Likely a Fringe Trend at Best” from Moody’s Analytics
- Wax Paper sandwich shop’s website

Got a question for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Today we’re talking about the topic of the day, week, month, and maybe even year — banking.

Silicon Valley Bank’s tech startup-centric clientele and remarkably high amount of uninsured deposits made it different from a lot of other banks. But there’s a regulatory landscape in the background of SVB’s downfall story.

On the show today, Mehrsa Baradaran, a banking law professor at the University of California Irvine and author of the books “The Color of Money” and “How the Other Half Banks,” explains how regulatory changes made way back in the 80’s landed us where we are now, the psychological nature of bank runs, and what regulators can learn from this SVB-triggered banking episode.

In the News Fix, the case for incorporating more lentils and other climate-friendly foods into the American diet. Also, we’ll give an economics crash course on “Minsky moments.” And, why commercial real estate debt could become another problem for banks.

Later, one listener shares why they’re on TikTok, and another listener reminds us to remember the folks who are hit hardest by climate change. And, Kaye Wise Whitehead, president of the National Women’s Studies Association, explains why she was wrong about motherhood.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “How Silicon Valley Bank & Signature Bank Lobbied to Weaken Regulations That Could Have Prevented Collapse” from Truthout
- “Opinion | After Silicon Valley Bank collapse, scrap the deposit insurance limit” from The Washington Post
- “Federal Reserve and Lawmakers Eye Bank Rules After Collapse” from The New York Times
- “What Is a Minsky Moment? How Do World Debt Levels Look Now?” from Bloomberg
- “Why Americans should eat more lentils” from The Washington Post
- “Commercial Property Debt Creates More Bank Worries” from The Wall Street Journal

What have you been wrong about lately? We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question! Leave us a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART, and your submission may be feat

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The Federal Reserve will meet this week to discuss the possibility of increasing interest rates to fight inflation once more. But after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, some are concerned that the higher rates are putting too much pressure on the banking system. And, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has released its latest report. The conclusion? We have to do something now. Plus, Kimberly makes us smile with a story about the friendship between a girl and a very scary “monster.”

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Did SVB break the Fed? Officials mull risks of more rate increases” from Reuters
- “Five Ways Banking Turmoil Will Impact the Fed’s Decision” from Bloomberg
- “World can still avoid worst of climate collapse with genuine change, IPCC says” from The Guardian
- “Biden issues first veto, taking on new Republican House” from The Washington Post
- Tweet from @davidlgutman on King County, Washington, voting to adopt the Oxford comma
- TikTok from @spiritwalker about a girl happy to meet a “monster”

Have a comment or question about something we talked about? Send it our way! You can leave us a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART or write to makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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For years, using social media has been mostly free. But that’s slowly changing. Following in Twitter’s footsteps, Meta has launched a subscription service for its platforms. We’ll discuss what paying for social media might mean for our online culture. And, the latest news about SVB (of course) and the regulators that may have dropped the ball. Plus, a round of Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Why American whiskey is the real winner of St. Patrick’s Day” from CNN
- “Meta launches subscription service in US” from Reuters
- “Fed Blocked Mention of Regulatory Flaws in Silicon Valley Bank Rescue” from The New York Times
- “The Fed Was Too Late on SVB Even Though It Saw Problem After Problem” from Bloomberg
- “U.S. Pushes for TikTok Sale to Resolve National Security Concerns” from The New York Times
- “Buffalo Wild Wings sued over boneless wings” from CBS
- “Could the Fed’s new emergency bank lending program encourage risky behavior?” from Marketplace
- Beer Purchasers’ Index from the National Beer Wholesalers Association

Our March fundraiser ends today! Help us meet our goal this week so we can cover our costs and plan for the future: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Why American whiskey is the real winner of St. Patrick’s Day” from CNN
- “Meta launches subscription service in US” from Reuters
- “Fed Blocked Mention of Regulatory Flaws in Silicon Valley Bank Rescue” from The New York Times
- “The Fed Was Too Late on SVB Even Though It Saw Problem After Problem” from Bloomberg
- “U.S. Pushes for TikTok Sale to Resolve National Security Concerns” from The New York Times
- “Buffalo Wild Wings sued over boneless wings” from CBS
- “Could the Fed’s new emergency bank lending program encourage risky behavior?” from Marketplace
- Beer Purchasers’ Index from the National Beer Wholesalers Association

Our March fundraiser ends today! Help us meet our goal this week so we can cover our costs and plan for the future: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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A team of large banks are coming together to save First Republic from this week’s banking woes with a hefty $30 billion deposit. We’ll explain what their move could mean for regulators. Also, an investigation into nursing homes in the United States found that some Medicare policies are putting seniors into poverty. And Kimberly makes us smile with a story about how pet owners deal with clever cats that can open microwaves and steal wallets.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “First Republic Set to Get $30 Billion of Deposits in Rescue” from Bloomberg
- “The FBI And DOJ Are Investigating ByteDance’s Use Of TikTok To Spy On Journalists” from Forbes
- “In nursing homes, impoverished live final days on pennies” from AP News
- “Axiom Space reveals next-generation spacesuit for astronauts returning to lunar surface” from Axiom Space
- “When cats can lock doors and raid food, pet-proofing gets extreme” from The Washington Post

Our March fundraiser ends tomorrow. Help us meet our goal this week so we can cover our costs and plan for the future: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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This week’s Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday comes with a bonus News Fix! We’ll get into the ripple effects of the Silicon Valley Bank collapse on the U.S. Treasury debt market and on international banks like Credit Suisse. Then, we’ll answer your questions about the FDIC insurance limit and the “moral hazard” risk involved in covering all SVB deposits.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Market Stress Snarls Trading in U.S. Treasurys” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Bank Chaos Clouds Outlook for Markets” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Swiss Regulators Offer Financial Lifeline to Credit Suisse” from The Wall Street Journal
- “The FDIC was created exactly for this kind of crisis. Here’s the history” from NPR
- “Regional banks rush to reassure customers after SVB failure” from Marketplace
- History and Timeline of Changes to FDIC Coverage Limits from American Deposits
- “Who’s responsible for paying the failed banks’ depositors?” from Marketplace
- “Experts flag moral hazard risk as U.S. intervenes in SVB crisis” from Reuters
- “Will the FDIC’s move to cover uninsured deposits set a risky precedent?” from NPR

Our March fundraiser ends Friday. Help us meet our goal this week so we can cover our costs and plan for the future: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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Some members of Congress recently introduced legislation that would give President Biden the power to ban TikTok, despite the company’s best efforts to get on Congress’ good side.

How did an app known for viral dance videos find itself in the middle of a national security debate?

On the show today, Forbes tech reporter Emily Baker-White explains why some members of Congress see TikTok as a national security threat, how real that threat actually is, and what an all-out ban would even look like. Plus, how it felt to be spied on by TikTok.

In the News Fix: How a viral parody tweet may have helped bring down insulin prices. Also, Kai Ryssdal explains what the latest round of job cuts at Meta say about the larger tech industry. And, a little Silicon Valley Bank update, for good measure.

Later, one listener shares their experience with rooftop solar panels. And, this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question comes from a listener who was wrong about the volatile nature of the tech industry.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “TikTok’s master plan to win over Washington” from Vox
- “Senate, White House push new bipartisan bill that could ban TikTok” from Politico
- “EXCLUSIVE: TikTok Spied On Forbes Journalists” from Forbes
- “TikTok tries to sell ‘Project Texas’ as it fights for survival in the U.S.” from NBC News
- “How A TikTok Ban Would Work — And How TikTok Could Fight Back” from Forbes
- “Novo Nordisk to slash US insulin prices, following move by Eli Lilly” from Reuters
- Tweet from @MorePerfectUS about their staff writer’s viral parody Eli Lilly tweet
- “Meta to Lay Off 10,000 Employees, Cut 5,000 More Open Jobs” from Bloomberg
- “George Santos Signals Intention to Seek Re-election in 2024” from The New York Times

What have you been wrong about lately? We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question! Leave us a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART, and your submission may be featured in a future episode.

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The dust hasn’t yet settled around Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse and people are trying to figure out who, or what, is to blame. We’ll unpack some of the finger pointing, explain what SVB represents 15 years after the 2008 financial crisis and look into what the bank’s failure means for the 2024 presidential race. Plus, the Oscar moments that made us smile!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Bank rules rollback contributed to SVB’s failure, critics say” from Marketplace
- “Barney Frank blames crypto panic for his bank’s collapse. Elizabeth Warren blames Trump.” from Politico
- “As military spending soars, Congress must take critical look at Pentagon budget” from The Hill
- Severe erosion in North Carolina from The Washington Post
- “Oscars Analysis: Why ‘Everything Everywhere’ — and the Academy — Won” from The Hollywood Reporter
- “Naatu Naatu” performance at the Oscars from Variety
- “Parties, food deals and more ways to celebrate St. Louis on 314 Day” from St. Louis Post-Dispatch
- “Celebrating and honoring Scott Joplin and his legacy in St. Louis” from KSDK

It’s our March fundraiser! Help us meet our goal so we can cover our costs and plan for the future: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank is the second largest bank failure in U.S. history. Many of SVB’s clients were startups and tech investors putting hundreds of billions of dollars in assets at risk. We’ll explain some of the factors that led to SVB going under and what it has to do with “venture debt.” Plus, how a health data breach could be weaponized against Congress. Plus, a round of Half-Full/Half-Empty with a special guest host!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“How Silicon Valley Bank failed” from Marketplace
“Health data breach hitting Congress ‘could be extraordinary’” from The Associated Press
“Could companies be persuaded to bring back pensions?” from Marketplace
Oscar viewing party ideas from Peerspace
“Business Schools Soften Admissions Requirements to Scoop Up Laid-Off Tech Workers” from Bloomberg
“Consumers’ “revenge reviews” have been rising since the pandemic” from Marketplace

It’s our March fundraiser! Help us meet our goal so we can cover our costs and plan for the future: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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The majority of women in the United States are single, and they’re becoming a big force in our economy. Single women now make up a significant share of the job market, homeowners and college graduates. But we’ll get into why that doesn’t necessarily amount to a boon for women’s wealth and wages. Also, business owners are coming clean about price-raising strategies, dubbed “excuseflation.” Plus, how mending your clothes became a hot fashion trend.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Crestfallen, veterans demand accountability for Afghan exit’s failures” from The Washington Post
- “Washington Suffers as Federal Employees Work From Home” from Bloomberg
- “Single women take an outsize role in the workforce — and the economy” from The Washington Post
- “How ‘Excuseflation’ Is Keeping Prices — and Corporate Profits — High” from Bloomberg
- “Elon Musk Is Planning a Texas Utopia — His Own Town” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Does Anyone Mend Clothes Anymore?” from Southern Living

It’s our March Fundraiser! Help us meet our goal so we can cover our costs and plan for the future: https://support.marketplace.org/smart

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This week, we got a call from a listener who said a serving of cold brew costs $1.30 more than a serving of hot coffee at his local Starbucks. That has him wondering, what makes the cold stuff so special? We’ll get into the economics of iced coffee. Plus, we’ll answer your questions about SNAP benefits and the beef between the state of California and Walgreens.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- A Quick Guide to SNAP Eligibility and Benefits from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
- “Does SNAP Cover the Cost of a Meal in Your County?” from the Urban Institute
- “California will cut ties with Walgreens over the company’s plan to drop abortion pills” from NPR
- “The Possible Effects Of California ‘No Longer Doing Business With Walgreens'” from The California Globe
- “The Iced-Coffee Economy: Why the Cold Stuff Costs More” from Grub Street
- “Why the Hell Is Iced Coffee So Expensive? An Investigation” from Vice
- “For All Mankind” from IMDB
- “Southern California startup bets on 3D printing to drive down rocket-building costs” from NPR

If you’ve got a question about business, tech or the economy, give us a shout. We’re at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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What can Jell-O tell us about the United States during the Gilded Age? What about Spam during World War II?

On the show today, Zeide walks us through the history baked into food items from all-American whiskey to Korean tacos. And, why food is often much more than something we simply eat.

Later, a listener sings us a song inspired by Marketplace’s Nova Safo. And, this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question comes from a listener who was wrong about dancing.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- Anna Zeide’s “US History in 15 Foods”
- “Remembering Judy Heumann’s lasting contributions to disability rights” from PBS Newshour
- “Walgreens in the hot seat” from Politico
- “California to not do business with Walgreens over abortion pills issue, Governor says” from Reuters
- “Debt Default Would Cripple U.S. Economy, New Analysis Warns” from The New York Times
- “Female Execs Are Exhausted, Frustrated and Heading for the Exits” from Bloomberg

What have you been wrong about lately? We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question! Leave us a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART, and your submission may be featured in a future episode.

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What can Jell-O tell us about the United States during the Gilded Age? What about Spam during World War II?

On the show today, Zeide walks us through the history baked into food items from all-American whiskey to Korean tacos. And, why food is often much more than something we simply eat.

Later, a listener sings us a song inspired by Marketplace’s Nova Safo. And, this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question comes from a listener who was wrong about dancing.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- Anna Zeide’s “US History in 15 Foods”
- “Remembering Judy Heumann’s lasting contributions to disability rights” from PBS Newshour
- “Walgreens in the hot seat” from Politico
- “California to not do business with Walgreens over abortion pills issue, Governor says” from Reuters
- “Debt Default Would Cripple U.S. Economy, New Analysis Warns” from The New York Times
- “Female Execs Are Exhausted, Frustrated and Heading for the Exits” from Bloomberg

What have you been wrong about lately? We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question! Leave us a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART, and your submission may be featured in a future episode.

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This week, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will head to Congress for two days of hearings as required under the Humphrey-Hawkins Act. Today, we’ll trace the little-known history behind this important piece of legislation and explain what it has to do with the civil rights movement and Coretta Scott King. Plus, make me smiles that have us reminiscing about family.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Republican Votes Helped Washington Pile Up Debt” from The New York Times
- “Inflation pressures put Powell in spotlight before Congress” from The Associated Press
- “Understanding the civil rights movement as a labor and economic movement” from Marketplace
- Full Employment and Balanced Growth Act of 1978 from GovInfo
- “Biden scraps reliance on market for faith in broader government role” from Washington Post
- “Toblerone Is Removing the Matterhorn From Its Packaging” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Virgin chicken wranglers, tired of pricey eggs, are snatching up birds” from The Washington Post

Learn more and register for the March 8 International Women’s Day virtual event with Kimberly: marketplace.org/womensday

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Across the U.S., kids as young as 13 are being employed to do everything from packaging cereal to cleaning meatpacking plants. Many are migrants who came into the U.S. without their parents and were driven to work out of desperation. Now, lawmakers want to push for change. The story has us shaking our heads. Plus, is it OK to order the same dish as your spouse? Our hosts dive into a lively food debate.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Lawmakers Clamor for Action on Child Migrant Labor as Outrage Grows” from The New York Times
- “Alone and Exploited, Migrant Children Work Brutal Jobs Across the U.S.” from The New York Times
- “Biden Awards Medal of Honor to Black Vietnam Veteran” from The New York Times
- “Walgreens won’t sell abortion pills in some states where they’re legal” from The Washington Post
- “Alaska’s Fisheries Are Collapsing” from Politico
- Snow in the Southern California mountains from The Los Angeles Times
- “TikTok expanding time limits on app” from Axios
- “The FTC Is Readying a Crackdown on Online Therapy” from Futurism
- “The products we buy are shrinking, and so is the value” from Marketplace
- “The Bidens ordered the same dish at a restaurant — and the internet has thoughts” from Today
- “It’s Fine to Order the Same Dish as Your Spouse” from Josh Barro

Learn more and register for the March 8 International Women’s Day virtual event with Kimberly: marketplace.org/womensday

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In the before times, when the Federal Reserve raised interest rates, the number of people filing for unemployment benefits would rise too. But we’re far from that today. U.S. weekly jobless claims are remarkably low. So where’s the recession we’ve been hearing so much about? Kai tells us what Janet Yellen had to say about this in his recent interview with the treasury secretary. Plus, the complicated task of creating a time zone for the moon. And guess who’s a Swiftie.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Trump can be sued by police over Jan. 6 riot, Justice Department says” from The Washington Post
- “ChatGPT and Whisper APIs debut, allowing devs to integrate them into apps” from Ars Technica
- “Apple Blocks Update of ChatGPT-Powered App, as Concerns Grow Over AI’s Potential Harm” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Yellen: Progress on inflation isn’t a straight line” from Marketplace
- “US Jobless Claims Edge Lower in Sign of Strong Labor Market” from Bloomberg
- “Elon Musk Is So Busy His Private Jet Is Taking 13-Minute Flights” from Bloomberg
- “Merrick Garland Is a Huge Taylor Swift Fan” from The Wall Street Journal
- “What time is it on moon? Europe pushing for lunar time zone” from AP News
- Paula Perry rescues baby squirrels in her Mississippi home from The Washington Post

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. PT / 6:30 p.m. ET. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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Norfolk Southern, the train company involved in the recent derailment in Ohio, spent $1.8 million on lobbying last year. One listener called in to ask about what lobbying dollars actually pay for. We’ll explain and answer more of your questions about how menstrual symptoms can affect productivity and what it might take for climate NIMBYs to become climate YIMBYs. Plus, Kimberly and guest host Reema Khrais share financial advice they’d give their younger selves.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Lobbying Data Summary” from OpenSecrets
- “How Corporate Lobbyists Conquered American Democracy” from The Atlantic
- “‘Crafting an illusion’: US rail firms’ multimillion-dollar PR push” from The Guardian
- “Before Ohio derailment, Norfolk Southern lobbied against safety rules” from The Washington Post
- “Productivity loss due to menstruation-related symptoms: a nationwide cross-sectional survey among 32 748 women” from BMJ
- “Menstrual cycle-associated symptoms and workplace productivity in US employees: A cross-sectional survey of users of the Flo mobile phone app” from National Library of Medicine
- “Even in the U.S., poor women often can’t afford tampons, pads” from Reuters
- “Solar Tax Credit By State In 2023: What You Need To Know” from Forbes
- “Wind energy gives American farmers a new crop to sell in tough times” from USA Today
- “The Power of Compound Interest: Calculations and Examples” from Investopedia

Got a question for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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To reach the Joe Biden administration’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, the country’s energy infrastructure needs a massive overhaul, and fast.

But many communities are not on board with the idea of a massive wind or solar farm in their area. Some counties are banning renewable energy developments before the planning can even begin.

“All those wind turbines and solar panels, and then all the transmission lines that you need to build … it has a big footprint. And that creates lots of land use conflicts,” said Ted Nordhaus, founder of The Breakthrough Institute.

On the show today, Nordhaus breaks down climate NIMBYism, the threat it poses to our green-energy economy and what it might take to keep the green transition moving forward.

Then, we’ll hear from listeners about how later school start times have improved their family’s mornings, the debate about what to call mocktails, and why Americans keep eggs in the fridge.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Decarbonization and its Discontents” from The Breakthrough Institute
“Will NIMBYs sink new clean energy projects? The evidence says no – if developers listen to local concerns” from The Conversation
“The Environmentalists Undermining Environmentalism” from The Atlantic
“America needs a new environmentalism” from The Economist
“Should I Learn Coding as a Second Language?” from Wired
“1 in 4 companies have already replaced workers with ChatGPT” from Resume Builder
“As Americans Work From Home, Europeans and Asians Head Back to the Office” from The Wall Street Journal
“What’s happened to the lunch places in office neighborhoods?” from Marketplace
“Why do we refrigerate eggs and other countries don’t? from the Egg Safety Center

What have you been wrong about lately? We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question! Leave us a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART, and your submission may be featured in a future episode.

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Drag show performances have become the new front in America’s culture wars. Lawmakers in more than a dozen states are considering legislation that would limit or ban drag shows. But after major corporations came out against anti-LGBTQ laws last year, we’re wondering: Where is corporate America now? Plus, big news on the ban on British sausages.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “To Tap Federal Funds, Chip Makers Will Need to Provide Child Care” from The New York Times
- “Watchdog Report on Afghan Collapse Points to Abrupt Withdrawal, Lack of Planning” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Florida Governor DeSantis ends ‘corporate kingdom’ of Walt Disney World” from Reuters
- “Memphis drag community says Tennessee bill restricting drag shows is ‘dehumanizing’ and bad for local businesses” from WATN
- “Tennessee residents, business owners worry about the ‘unintended’ consequences of new drag bill” from WTVF
- “The story behind Ke Huy Quan’s Hollywood comeback” from Screen
- Tweet from @RishiSunak on the U.K.-EU agreement on Northern Ireland
- “Why are British sausages being blocked from entry into Northern Ireland? The dispute explained” from The Conversation

We can’t do this without you! Please keep sending us your comments and questions by calling 508-U-B-SMART or emailing makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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During the early years of the pandemic, people throughout the country left major cities and never returned. But in New York City, it seemed people were coming back in droves. What else would explain the lower availability of apartments and the increasing rent prices? The real reason may not be that simple, and it may have to do with algorithms and something called “warehousing.” Also, the patent examiner who sought to demonstrate the ingenuity of Black Americans through their inventions is being honored. Plus, we play a round of Half Full / Half Empty!

- “New Yorkers Never Came ‘Flooding Back.’ Why Did Rents Go Up So Much?” from New York magazine
- “9 Charts on the Russia-Ukraine War” from Gallup
- “Found on Baker’s list” from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
- “No cow needed: Oat and soy can be called milk, FDA proposes” from AP
- “United launches $100 million green jet fuel fund” from Marketplace
- “How does a water bottle go viral — and stay viral?” from Marketplace
- “New York City’s push to become a tech hub” from Marketplace
- “Samsung Now Cloning Users’ Voices So an AI Can Answer Calls for Them” from Futurism

We love hearing and reading your questions and comments, so please keep sending them! You can write to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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There’s tons of research showing teenagers aren’t getting enough quality sleep. One big contributing factor: early school start times. So why aren’t more schools getting with the program? Also, we’ll get into the different narratives being created about the Joe Biden administration’s pick for the next leader of the World Bank. Plus, Wordle cheaters, we know who you are.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Let Teenagers Sleep” from Scientific American
- “Republicans Will Hold Their First Presidential Debate in Milwaukee” from The New York Times
- “US to Pick Ex-Mastercard CEO Banga as World Bank President” from Bloomberg
- “Have Scientists Found a Rogue Supermassive Black Hole?” from Sky & Telescope
- “Brittney Griner returns to Phoenix Mercury on 1-year deal” from ESPN
- “Study calls DC residents’ Wordle streaks into question” from WTOP News

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. PT / 6:30 p.m. ET. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Let Teenagers Sleep” from Scientific American
- “Republicans Will Hold Their First Presidential Debate in Milwaukee” from The New York Times
- “US to Pick Ex-Mastercard CEO Banga as World Bank President” from Bloomberg
- “Have Scientists Found a Rogue Supermassive Black Hole?” from Sky & Telescope
- “Brittney Griner returns to Phoenix Mercury on 1-year deal” from ESPN
- “Study calls DC residents’ Wordle streaks into question” from WTOP News

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. PT / 6:30 p.m. ET. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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DALL-E, ChatGPT and now … Bing? It can be hard to keep up with all the new artificial intelligence systems hitting the scene. One listener called in to ask what makes the new AI-powered Bing different from ChatGPT. We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions about how a tax cut works versus a stimulus and the hidden costs of police misconduct. Plus, can journalists who cover business trade stocks?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Bing (Yes, Bing) Just Made Search Interesting Again” from The New York Times
- “The new Microsoft Bing will sometimes misrepresent the info it finds” from The Verge
- “Microsoft’s new Bing chatbot is fun but sometimes more cautious than ChatGPT” from CNBC
- “Why a Conversation With Bing’s Chatbot Left Me Deeply Unsettled” from The New York Times
- “What Is Economic Stimulus? How It Works, Benefits, and Risks” from Investopedia
- “Cities pay millions in police misconduct settlements” from Marketplace
- “Repeated police misconduct cost taxpayers $1.5 billion in settlements” from The Washington Post
- “Insurers force change on police departments long resistant to it” from The Washington Post
- “How Police Misconduct Affects Cities And Taxpayers Financially” from NPR
- Marketplace’s Standards of Behavior

Got a question for our hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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The national COVID-19 public health emergency will be ending in May, but that doesn’t mean the pandemic is over. Hundreds of people are still dying from COVID in the U.S. every day and many more are getting sick.

So then why is the emergency ending?

On the show today: Dr. Céline Gounder, an epidemiologist and editor at large for public health at Kaiser Health News, walks us through the state of the pandemic right now, what will change when the public health emergency expires and what it could mean for the American health care system as a whole.

In the News Fix, we’ll tell you about a case before the Supreme Court that may drastically change how the internet works. Also, Russia temporarily pulled out of a major nuclear arms treaty. We’ll get into what that means for the future of international arms control.

Later, one listener shares a perspective on pay transparency, and another tells us why we should discuss menopause more. Plus, this week a chatbot answers the Make Me Smart question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- What happens to COVID vaccines and drugs after the health emergency? from The Los Angeles Times
- “Millions of people are about to get kicked off Medicaid” from Vox
- “WHO says Covid-19 remains a global health emergency, but pandemic is at a ‘transition point'” from CNN
- “The End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: Details on Health Coverage and Access” from KFF
- An Etiquette Guide for Long COVID from The Atlantic
- “Need time off work for period pain? These countries offer ‘menstrual leave.'” from The Washington Post
- “Justices will consider whether tech giants can be sued for allegedly aiding ISIS terrorism” from SCOTUSblog
- “Coronavirus in the U.S.: Latest Map and Case Count” from The New York Times
- “Putin’s Move on Nuclear Treaty May Signal End to Formal Arms Control” from The New York Times

What’s something you’ve been wrong about lately? We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question! Leave us a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART, and your submission may be featured in a future episode.

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Although climate change risks are well known, they are often unaccounted for in property values. New research shows that when flood risks are taken into account, property prices are overvalued by as much as $237 billion. So what does this all mean for the U.S. real estate market and a looming climate change housing bubble? We’ll also discuss the bombshell legal filing by Dominion Voting Systems and what it reveals about Fox News’ business model. Plus, we play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“4 takeaways from the bombshell Fox News legal filing” from The Washington Post
“I Never Truly Understood Fox News Until Now” from The Atlantic
“The climate change real estate bubble risks billions” from Axios
“The pitfalls of letting an algorithm set the rent” from Marketplace Tech
“Why “eat the rich” storylines are taking over TV and movies” from Marketplace
“At the Federal Games Guild, video games and public policy play together” from Marketplace
“Taco Bell Cantina Has Hit Hollywood—Yes, With Alcohol On Its Menu” from Secret Los Angeles
“How ASMR videos earn bonus revenue for this cleaning company” from Marketplace

Are you half full or half empty on something we talked about? Or maybe you have a question that you want to ask us? Let us know by calling 508-U-B-SMART or sending us an email to makemesmart@marketplace.org!

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It’s common for people to relocate or downsize when they get older, but new research shows that age is not working in their favor when it comes to getting a mortgage. We’ll get into it. Also, Tesla workers in Buffalo launched a campaign to unionize last week. Now, some leaders of the drive are getting fired. Plus, guest host Samantha Fields tells us why the early warm weather in the Northeast is sort of creeping her out. And, an owl who escaped from the Central Park Zoo takes on the big city!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “It can be harder for seniors to get mortgages, research shows” from Marketplace
- “Are Older Mortgage Applicants More Likely to Be Rejected?” from the Center for Retirement Research
- “January 2023 warmest on record for New York City” from Yahoo!
- “‘The climate I lived in as a kid is long gone’: Climate change is stealing New England’s winters” from The Boston Globe
- “Tesla Fired Buffalo Workers Seeking to Organize, Union Says” from The New York Times
- “Hobby Club’s Missing Balloon Feared Shot Down By USAF” from Aviation Week Network
- “Flaco the Owl Spreads His Wings and Learns to Survive in Central Park” from The New York Times
- “Daylight saving time 2023: Is it time to change your clocks again?” from USA Today

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. PT 6:30 p.m. ET. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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As the Kansas City Chiefs celebrated their Super Bowl victory Sunday, red, yellow and white confetti showered the field while the winners put on preprinted NFL Super Bowl LVII Champions gear, complete with the Chiefs’ logo. One listener called in to ask what happens to the stuff that’s premade for the team that ends up losing. We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions about the gamification of credit card spending and the benefits of being open with your co-workers about how much money you make.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- What happens to the Super Bowl 57 championship gear for the Eagles? from USA Today
- Hot Dogs, Hotels, Tickets and Confetti: 16 Fun Facts About the Super Bowl in Phoenix from Phoenix New Times
- “How Is Cashback Profitable for Credit Card Companies?” from Investopedia
- “U.S. credit card debt jumps 18.5% and hits a record $930.6 billion” from CNBC
- “What Happens When COVID-19 Emergency Declarations End? Implications for Coverage, Costs, and Access” from KFF
- “What the End of the Covid Public Health Emergency Could Mean for You” from The New York Times
- “Millions of people are about to get kicked off Medicaid” from Vox
- Federal COVID-19 emergency ends in May; what will change? from The Chicago Sun-Times
- “Why You Should Tell Your Co-Workers How Much Money You Make” from The New York Times
- “Pay transparency laws can help fix the wage gap — but not erase it” from Vox

If you’ve got a question about business, tech or the economy, give us a shout. We’re at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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It’s Valentine’s Day, so we’re digging into the thing that’s at the heart of President Biden’s vision to reshape the American economy: industrial policy.

After the U.S. ghosted industrial policy decades ago, it’s become a hot topic again. Biden championed the Inflation Reduction Act, ballyhooed the CHIPS and Science Act and announced rules requiring federal infrastructure projects to use only American-made materials — all with the goal of spurring the country’s manufacturing industries. But, is Biden’s vision for the U.S. economy a perfect match?

On the show today: Derek Thompson, staff writer at The Atlantic and host of The Ringer’s “Plain English” podcast, makes us smart about the evolution of industrial policy in the U.S. and why Biden’s “Buy American” is a great political slogan, but not a perfect policy in practice.

In the News Fix, we’ll discuss the economic costs of romantic scams, Donald Trump’s first official challenger in the Republican presidential primary and unionization efforts at Tesla.

Later, we’ll hear from a listener on giving preloved items a second chance. And, a professional matchmaker tells us how to be smart about finding a partner.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Don’t ‘Buy American'” from The Atlantic
- “Joe Biden’s Innovative Attempt to Reshape the American Economy” from The New Yorker
- “Is Industrial Policy Making a Comeback?” from the Council on Foreign Relations
- “A Tale of Two Industrial Policies” from Foreign Affairs
- “A Simple Plan to Solve All of America’s Problems” from The Atlantic
- “Romance scammers’ favorite lies exposed” from the Federal Trade Commision
- “Nikki Haley announces 2024 White House run” from Politico
- “Tesla Workers in Buffalo Begin Union Drive” from The New York Times

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Since the discovery of the Chinese balloon floating over Montana, it seems the U.S. is suddenly seeing more unidentified flying objects. We’ll get into why the U.S. had previously been missing all these strange crafts. Plus, a train derailment in eastern Ohio has residents worried about the long-term dangers of released chemicals. And, would you drink AI-generated beer?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “US Has ‘No Indication’ Alien Activity Is Behind Objects Shot Down” from Bloomberg
- Tweet from @DanLamothe on NORAD changing velocity gate of radars
- “East Palestine train derailment: What we know about the situation” from Cincinnati Enquirer
- “After a train derailment, Ohio residents are living the plot of a movie they helped make” from CNN
- “White Noise” | Official Trailer from Netflix
- Sabri Ben-Achour’s ceramic art Instagram page
- TikTok from @nightshiftbrewing about an artificial intelligence-generated beer recipe
- Instagram Reel from @chefbaobae cooking rose dumplings

Now through Valentine’s Day, show off your love of Make Me Smart by grabbing an Investor T-shirt when you donate $5/month. https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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Inflation has hit American consumers hard over the last couple of years. But we’re not the only ones feeling the pinch. The government is too. We’ll talk about the ways inflation is affecting the national debt. Then, there may be more to imposter syndrome than we initially thought. Plus, we play a Super Bowl-themed round of Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Fed’s Inflation Fight Pushes Up Cost of U.S. Debt” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Why Everyone Feels Like They’re Faking It” from The New Yorker
- “I Won’t Be Watching the Super Bowl Because I Think Football Is Too Dangerous to Exist” from Teen Vogue
- “‘The Ship Beneath the Ice’ Review: Endurance Found” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Move Over Crypto, Booze Ads Are Flooding the Super Bowl” from Bloomberg
- “Super Bowl LVII halftime show features Rihanna” from Axios
- “Former NFL players are suing the league over denied disability benefits” from NPR
- “Millions plan to call out sick Monday after the ‘Big Game’” from WHNT/CBS

Now through Valentine’s Day, show off your love of Make Me Smart by grabbing an Investor T-shirt when you donate $5/month. https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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In Twitter’s latest effort to up revenue, the company is shutting down free access to its API for many users. That means developers who rely on the Twitter API to run apps like TweetDelete will have to pay for access to its data. Also, Adidas’ decision to split with Yeezy last year is turning out to be an expensive one. And, one man’s career behind the scenes on Broadway is more than just a nice story about a guy doing a job.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Twitter is shutting down its free API, here’s what’s going to break” from Engadget
- “Twitter Says Low-Level API Usage Will Cost $100 Per Month” from Business Insider
- “Adidas Sees EUR500 Mln Hit From Potential Yeezy Stock Writeoff” from MarketWatch
- “He’s Seen ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ 13,000 Times” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Meet the Players of Puppy Bowl XIX” from Discovery

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. PT 6:30 p.m. ET. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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This weekend’s Super Bowl is almost certain to be the most legally bet-on sports event in U.S. history.

Since the Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on sports betting five years ago, the industry has seriously taken off, mostly thanks to online wagers. Goldman Sachs predicts that by 2033, the online sports betting business could rake in $39 billion in annual revenue.

With online sports betting, you can bet from almost anywhere. And it turns out, you can bet on almost anything.

“At BetMGM for example, there are a thousand of these prop bets. How many yards is Patrick Mahomes going to throw? … How long is Chris Stapleton’s National Anthem going to last? What song will Rihanna start with at the halftime show?” said Danny Funt, editor at The Week magazine and a freelance sports journalist.

On the show today, Funt explains the business of sports betting, how it’s transformed the fan experience and some of the risks that come with a rapidly growing gambling industry.

In the News Fix: Speaking of the Super Bowl, HBO’s zombie drama “The Last of Us” will release its next episode early to avoid going head-to-head with the big game. Also, a recent interview with Jerome Powell gives some insight on the Federal Reserve chair’s game plan. And Kimberly Adams shares a story about local Buy Nothing groups that she found serendipitously while reading a good old-fashioned newspaper.

Later, we’ll hear what some listeners have to say about the State of the Union address. Plus, one listener digs into a niche pop culture reference and another weighs in on the nonalcoholic beer market.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “All In: How gambling swallowed sports media” from the Columbia Journalism Review
- “US Super Bowl Betting Projection Tops $1.1 Billion For 2023” from Play USA
- “The Sports Gambling Gold Rush Is Absolutely Off the Charts” from Bloomberg
- “Sportsbooks call them risk-free bets. Just don’t read the fine print.” from The Washington Post
- “Super Bowl Is Poised to Become Most Bet-Upon Game in US History” from Bloomberg
- A list of resources from the National Council on Problem Gambling
- 1-800-522-4700 National Problem Gambling Hotline
- “Why ‘The Last of Us’ Fans Will Get to Watch Episode 5 Early” from E! News
- “Hon. Jerome Powell” from the Economic Club of Washington, D.C.
- “Buy Nothing groups and the culture of free stuff” from The Washington Post
- “From the Ground Up: The obligatory tomato” from Waldo County VillageSoup
- “See Thomas Jefferson’s Letter Declaring That He Wouldn’t Give a State of the Union Speech” from Time

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The U.S. Constitution requires that presidents give Congress a report on the state of the union. It’s a way to hold the nation’s leader accountable. But critics say the tradition of delivering a speech in front of a joint session of Congress has become a political tool. We’ll debate the value of the SOTU and whether it’s time it goes away. Also, an earthquake in Turkey and Syria could become one of the deadliest this decade.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- Please, Biden, do us all a favor: Skip the State of the Union speech from The Washington Post
- Explainer: Why was the Turkey-Syria earthquake so bad? from Reuters
- AMC Theatres to Change Movie Ticket Prices Based on Seat Location from Variety
- Watch Beyoncé Break The Record For Most GRAMMY Wins In History from Grammy Awards
- Watch Trevor Noah hand Beyoncé the Grammy she won while she was stuck in traffic from CNN
- Tweet from @Jaredbkeller on no balloon-shaped victory marking

We can’t do this show without you! Keep sending in your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Finding constant success in life may not always be a good thing. Some psychologists argue that the biggest obstacle to success may be success itself. How do we fix it? Changing an aspect of our lives every 10 years. Also, could states prevent CVS and Walgreens from selling abortion pills by mail? Kimberly Adams and Kai Ryssdal get into it. Plus, a round of Half-Full/Half-Empty filled with coupons and inflation chickens.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Chinese balloon high over US stirs unease far below” from Associated Press
- “20 attorneys general warn Walgreens, CVS over abortion pills” from AP
- “The Ten Year Rule: Change Your Life Every Decade” from Psychology Today
- “Extreme couponing is back. But it’s on TikTok this time.” from Marketplace
- “Adieu to the Boeing 747, the first jumbo jet” from Marketplace
- “Old-school cameras are making a comeback” from Marketplace
- “Showtime and Paramount+ Merging, With Rebrand Planned” from The Hollywood Reporter
- “Forget Pandemic Puppies. Meet the Inflation Chicken” from The New York Times

Do you have a burning question that you want to ask us or a comment about something we talked about? Call us at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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The federal debt limit crisis was already looming when the Democrats lost their House majority in the midterm elections. Many of them called for the limit to be raised, suspended or eliminated during the lame duck period to avoid the political turmoil that’s going on now. One listener called in to ask why they didn’t raise the ceiling while they had the chance. We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions about a Plan B for Biden’s student debt relief, the Trump tax cuts and the rise of white-collar unions. Plus, did you catch the Kai Ryssdal reference on another popular public radio program?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Q&A: Everything You Should Know About the Debt Ceiling” from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget
- “Leaders Back Away From Raising Debt Ceiling, Punting Clash to New Congress” from The New York Times
- “Raising debt ceiling wasn’t always a heated source of debate” from NPR
- “Biden’s student-loan forgiveness might not be doomed if the Supreme Court strikes it down — he could take another legal path” from Business Insider
- “The Booming Economy, Not The 2017 Tax Act, Is Fueling Corporate Tax Receipts” from the Tax Policy Center
- 2022 was tech’s biggest year yet for labor unions and workplace organizing from Axios
- “The unionization bug bites Congress” from Marketplace
- “The Professional and Technical Workforce: By the Numbers” from the AFL-CIO
- “This is not your grandpa’s union” from Make Me Smart
- “Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me!” from NPR featuring a Kai Ryssdal name drop

Got a question for our hosts? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org. Or leave us a voice message at 508 U-B-SMART, or 508-827-6278.

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The new wave of generative artificial intelligence, like ChatGPT and DALL-E, has got the tech business in a frenzy.

Venture capitalists are pouring money into new AI startups: Investments in generative AI have already exceeded $2 billion. But there’s lots of unknown unknowns about the innovation. There’s virtually no oversight from the government, and teachers, artists, researchers and others are raising concerns.

“There’s so much happening under the hood that we don’t get access to … there needs to be much more transparency,” said Alex Hanna, director of research at the Distributed AI Research Institute.

On the show today: why AI is getting so much attention these days, ethical issues with the tech and what lawmakers should focus on when trying to regulate it. Plus, why some say it could exacerbate the climate crisis.

In the News Fix, some Kia and Hyundai cars keep getting stolen, and insurance companies are taking notice. Plus, we might spend the most on health care, but health in the United States falls behind other high-income countries by several measures. And, why you might want to get ready for some inflation whiplash.

Later, we’ll hear from a listener who’s pro-ChatGPT when it comes to writing cover letters. And in the spirit of Dry January, Elva Ramirez, author of “Zero Proof: 90 Non-Alcoholic Recipes for Mindful Drinking,” gives us a little history lesson on mocktails (or cleverages).

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Investors seek to profit from groundbreaking ‘generative AI’ start-ups” from Financial Times
- Alex Hanna’s “Mystery AI Hype Theater 3000” on Twitch
- “AI rockets ahead in vacuum of U.S. regulation” from Axios
- “Robots trained on AI exhibited racist and sexist behavior” from The Washington Post
- “What jobs are affected by AI? Better-paid, better-educated workers face the most exposure” from the Brookings Institution
- “Yellen Sees Low Inflation as More Likely Long-Term Challenge” from Bloomberg
- “State Farm says it has stopped insuring some Kia, Hyundai vehicles” from CBS News
- “Health care spending in the US is nearly double that of other wealthy nations: report” from The Hill

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. Leave us a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART, and your submission may be featured in a future episode.

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The new wave of generative artificial intelligence, like ChatGPT and DALL-E, has got the tech business in a frenzy.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Investors seek to profit from groundbreaking ‘generative AI’ start-ups” from Financial Times
- Alex Hanna’s “Mystery AI Hype Theater 3000” on Twitch
- “AI rockets ahead in vacuum of U.S. regulation” from Axios
- “Robots trained on AI exhibited racist and sexist behavior” from The Washington Post
- “What jobs are affected by AI? Better-paid, better-educated workers face the most exposure” from the Brookings Institution
- “Yellen Sees Low Inflation as More Likely Long-Term Challenge” from Bloomberg
- “State Farm says it has stopped insuring some Kia, Hyundai vehicles” from CBS News
- “Health care spending in the US is nearly double that of other wealthy nations: report” from The Hill

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. Leave us a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART, and your submission may be featured in a future episode.

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The U.S. has hit the debt limit 78 times since the 1960s, but for the first time in history, five women are responsible for shaping U.S. fiscal policy. Their experience and perspectives, could change how the country deals with the debt limit. And they might be able to do what other politicians cannot: get along. Plus, how did George Santos fund his campaign? Kimberly is back from vacation and joins Kai to talk all things Washington, and shares what made her smile while she was gone.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Mint the coin? Buy back bonds? 7 ‘gimmicks’ for dodging the debt limit.” from The Washington Post
- “Ford Cuts Prices of EV Mustang Mach-E” from The Wall Street Journal
- “5 women, immense power: Can they keep US from fiscal brink?” from The Associated Press
- “George Santos, Sam Bankman-Fried, and Citizens United” from the Brennan Center for Justice
- “Watch the moon eclipse Mars tonight” from Space

Have any thoughts, or questions that you want to share with us? You can write to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Higher mortgage rates have cooled off the once-hot housing market. But for the first time in seven months, pending home sales have improved, which means the market is seeing some movement. And China’s oil and gas use fell for the first time in decades! Kai is joined by guest host Amy Scott to discuss all this and play a round of Half Full / Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- In light of Tyre Nichols video coming out, a roundup of police reforms in the years since George Floyd’s murder from The New York Times
- Pending home sales index from the National Association of Realtors
- “China’s Oil and Gas Use Fell in 2022 for First Time in Decades” from The New York Times
- “New Costco Design With Apartments Overhead Has Property Brokers Buzzing” from CoStar
- “Amazon Starts Drug Subscription Service for Prime Members” from Bloomberg
- “Should you use ChatGPT to apply for jobs? Here’s what recruiters say” from Fast Company
- “M&M’s replaces its spokescandies with Maya Rudolph after Tucker Carlson’s rants” from NPR

We love hearing and reading your questions and comments, so please keep sending them! You can write to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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The drought in California is by no means over, but the recent winter storms made a big difference. We’ll discuss what it all means for the state’s residents, reservoirs and wildflowers! Then we’ll unpack a sobering statistic about gun violence in the United States. And Kai Ryssdal geeks out over SpaceX’s new Starship rocket.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “California to get major boost in water supplies following January storms” from the Los Angeles Times
- “More mass shootings in U.S. than days in 2023 so far” from Axios
- “NYSE Mayhem Traced to a Staffer Who Left a Backup System Running” from Bloomberg
- “SpaceX completes fueling test, will now work toward massive engine firing test” from Ars Technica
- “Chipotle Beefs Up Hiring Ahead of ‘Burrito Season’” from The New York Times

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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With all the rage tweets about gas stoves, it may be hard to believe, but climate change wasn’t always so polarizing.

Studies show that public opinion on the topic started to splinter in the 1990s, when governments and corporations had to reckon with the threat of a warming planet.

Later, we’ll hear from a listener who did the math on the cost-effectiveness of fueling up with diesel vs. gas, and a loyal listener makes us smarter about our own theme music!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Climate Science as Culture War” from the Stanford Social Innovation Review
A widening gap: Republican and Democratic views on climate change from Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development
“For Earth Day, key facts about Americans’ views of climate change and renewable energy” from Pew Research Center
“Politics & Global Warming, March 2018” from Yale Program on Climate Communication
“How the humble gas stove became the latest flash point in the culture wars” from The Washington Post
“Wyoming lawmaker behind electric-vehicle ban says he didn’t mean it” from The Washington Post
“The business opportunity that is climate change” from Marketplace
“Correct The Internet & DDB NZ on a mission to highlight bias against women’s sport” from The Drum
“Global ‘Correct the Internet’ campaign launches to make sportswomen more visible via DDB NZ” from Campaign Brief
“Classified Documents Found at Mike Pence’s Home” from The Wall Street Journal
“Elon Musk Securities-Fraud Trial” from Bloomberg

It’s a new year, and we’re looking for new answers to the Make Me Smart question. Leave us a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART and your submission may be featured in a future episode.

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In case you haven’t heard, we’ve hit the debt limit. That means a whole lot of debate about how to avoid a debt default is likely ahead. One of the more creative solutions involves minting a trillion-dollar platinum coin. We’ll explain why that probably won’t fly. Also, we’ll have an update on the artificial intelligence wars in tech. And guest host Amy Scott makes us smiley and sporty with a story about soccer star Erling Haaland.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Janet Yellen Dismisses Minting $1 Trillion Coin to Avoid Default” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Microsoft to Deepen OpenAI Partnership, Invest Billions in ChatGPT Creator” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Wind Turbines Taller Than the Statue of Liberty Are Falling Over” from Bloomberg
- “Earth’s Core Has Stopped and May Be Reversing Direction, Study Says” from Vice
- “Man City star Erling Haaland’s incredible hat trick stats as he surpasses last year’s Golden Boot tally” from ESPN

Got a question for our hosts? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org. Or leave us a voice message at 508 U-B-SMART, or 508-827-6278.

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Google has been the most popular search engine in the world for over two decades, but the company is bringing in the big shots to help fight the company’s most significant threat since the iPhone came out: ChatGPT. To keep up with the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, Google said it’s making serious investments in the technology. Meanwhile, Google cut jobs in its AI unit amid widespread layoffs in the tech industry. Guest hosts Amy Scott and Matt Levin get into it. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Google Calls In Larry Page and Sergey Brin to Tackle ChatGPT and A.I. Chatbots” from The New York Times
“Google’s Treasured AI Unit Gets Swept Up in 12,000 Job Cuts” from Bloomberg
“Google is slashing 12,000 workers, as a wave of layoffs continues into 2023. Here’s the full list of major US companies making cuts.” from Business Insider
“Affordable-housing hopes are building around 3D printed homes” from Marketplace
“The NBA is experiencing a points explosion” from Axios
“CNET pauses publishing AI-written stories after disclosure controversy” from The Verge
“Mountain Dew Is Turning Its Baja Blast Soda Into A Hot Sauce” from Tasting Table

We can’t do this show without you. Keep sending your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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The guy who’s now running FTX, the imploded cryptocurrency exchange founded by now-indicted Sam Bankman-Fried, said he’s considering reopening shop. Too soon? Also, mortgage rates are coming down, but all the commotion about the debt ceiling could undo that. And, guest host Amy Scott makes us smile with a video of celebrities reenacting conversations on Nextdoor, the neighborhood social networking platform.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Mortgage Rates Fall as Services Sector Contracts” from Zillow Research
- Mortgage Rates from Freddie Mac
- “New FTX Chief Says Crypto Exchange Could Restart” from The Wall Street Journal
- Union membership rate in 2022 hit all-time low despite Starbucks, Amazon efforts from Axios
- Debt ceiling cartoon from @newyorkercartoons on Instagram
- Tweet from @JimmyKimmelLive of “Nextdoor Theatre” video

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream will be back! 6:30 ET/3:30 PT. There will be drinks, news and a round of Half Full / Half Empty.

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Disney is calling employees back to the office four days a week. One listener called in to ask about the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid work. We’ll talk about how businesses are making the choice. And guest hosts Amy Scott and Samantha Fields answer more of your questions about the death of starter homes and the stubbornly high price of diesel. Plus, are states ready to dole out unemployment benefits for the next recession?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Disney will soon require workers to be in-office four days a week” from Marketplace
- “Whatever Happened to the Starter Home?” from The New York Times
- “New Single-Family Homes are Getting Smaller” from the National Association of Home Builders
- “Homebuilders may finally be turning a corner as inflation stabilizes and lower mortgage rates bring buyers back into the market” from Business Insider
- “Top Fed official warns US unemployment could hit 5% next year” from Financial Times
- “America’s unemployment insurance system is still broken as a recession looms” from Vox
- “Price of Diesel, Which Powers the Economy, Is Still Climbing” from The New York Times
- “U.S. Gasoline and Diesel Retail Prices” from the U.S. Energy Information Administration
- “How a massive refinery shortage is contributing to high gas prices” from NPR

If you’ve got a question about business, tech and the economy, give us a shout. We’re at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Today we’re talking about a key player in international trade: the World Trade Organization.

The WTO is responsible for setting and enforcing the rules of global trade between 164 member countries. While the United States once supported the idea of a rules-based system, lately the country hasn’t been a big fan of the rules.

Among other things, the Trump administration’s decision to impose steel and aluminum taxes in violation of WTO policies sent the organization’s ability to govern into freefall. What would it take for the WTO to get back on its feet?

“It’s clear that we need new trade rules on things like digital trade, e-commerce, and privacy data. There’s a whole series of areas that are completely unregulated by the WTO, and we need rules. It needs to get back to becoming that forum in which you can negotiate rules,” said Jennifer Hillman, Georgetown law professor and former member of the WTO appellate body.

On the show today: the ins and outs of the WTO, why the organization isn’t running like it’s supposed to, and what that could mean for the future of global trade.

In the News Fix: Despite the ongoing trade war, imports and exports between the United States and China are higher than ever. We’ll discuss how this fits into the shifting landscape of globalization. Plus, we’ll look at the effects a 20-year-long drought is having in one community outside of Scottsdale, Arizona.

Later, climate scientist and author Kimberly Nicholas shares what she got wrong about a popular climate a statistic.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “What’s Next for the WTO?” from the Council on Foreign Relations
- “Australia and China team up to protest WTO blockages caused by US vetoes on appeal body” from The Guardian
- “Trump, China, and Steel Tariffs: The Day the WTO Died” from the Council on Foreign Relations
- “WTO says Trump’s steel tariffs violated global trade rules” from Politico
- “US-China Trade is Close to a Record, Defying Talk of Decoupling” from Bloomberg
- “Davos summit is starting. What’s on the agenda?” from Marketplace
- “Skipped Showers, Paper Plates: An Arizona Suburb’s Water Is Cut Off” from The New York Times

It’s a new year, and we’re looking for new answers to the Make Me Smart question. Leave us a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART and your submission may be featured in a future episode.

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New research shows Exxon Mobil understood the dire consequences of burning fossil fuels decades ago — with scary accuracy. Yet, the company continued to mislead the public about the effects of climate change. We’ll discuss the billions in damages attributed to more frequent extreme weather events. And, a dungeon masters’ revolt! Dungeons & Dragons players united to preserve the spirit of the game. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Assessing ExxonMobil’s global warming projections” from Science
- “Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters” from the National Centers for Environmental Information
- “The Dungeons & Dragons’ OGL 1.1 Tightens Grip On Competition” from Gizmodo
- “‘People are leaving the game’: Dungeons & Dragons fans revolt against new restrictions” from The Guardian
- “Amid widespread backlash, D&D maker scales back ‘open’ license changes” from Ars Technica
- Tweet from @ttjourneys
- “CNET Has Been Quietly Publishing AI-Written Articles for Months” from Gizmodo
- Get smart on “Spare” from the Make Me Smart newsletter
- “Spare review: The weirdest book ever written by a royal” from BBC News
- “Thousands of Airline Passengers Affected by FAA System Outage” from The New York Times
“Disney will soon require workers to be in-office four days a week” from Marketplace

We can’t do this show without you. Keep sending your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Today, the voice of American business had one message for Congress: Get it together! The U.S. Chamber of Commerce says political gridlock is making it harder for businesses to function. We’ll explain what’s ahead for the 118th Congress and why you’re about to hear a lot more about a big fight over the national debt. Plus, are you seeing bizarre flying objects in the sky? You’re not alone. And SBF is defending his innocence, again. This time on Substack?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Sam Bankman-Fried Resurfaces With Fresh Defense of FTX Collapse on Substack” from The Wall Street Journal
“U.S. Deficit Fell to $1.4 Trillion in 2022” from The New York Times
“First look: Chamber of Commerce says business is “fed up” with Washington” from Axios
“U.S. Chamber Calls on Lawmakers to Reject Gridlock and Pursue ‘Agenda for American Strength’” from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
“House Republicans plan crypto panel in first move to oversee troubled industry” from Politico
“More than 360 new UFO cases have been reported to U.S. intelligence agencies since March 2021” from CNBC
“2022 Annual Report on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena” from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence
“New lawmaker sworn in with ‘Superman’ No. 1 comic pays it a visit at Library of Congress” from The Hill
Tweet from U.S. Rep Robert Garcia displaying “Superman” No. 1 comic

We can’t do this show without you. Keep sending your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Some Republican politicians are attacking environmental, social and governance investing strategies. One listener is wondering what the fight is really about. We’ll explain. Plus, are crypto losses tax deductible? And we’ll answer more of your questions about whether more immigration can help tame inflation, and developing vs. developed countries.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Crypto tax guide” from Fidelity
- “Are FTX Losses a Tax Write-Off? IRS Deduction Advice” from Bloomberg
- “Who are the developing countries in the WTO?” from WTO
- “Human Development Index” from the United Nations Development Programme
- “Florida, DeSantis yank billions in investments from ‘woke’ BlackRock over ESG investing” from USA Today
- Republicans Ramp Up Anti-ESG Campaign for 2023 from Bloomberg
- “Fed Chair Finds Trump-Era Immigration Policies Still Harm Economy” from Forbes
- “Scoop: Biden administration plotting immigration reform in 2023” from Axios
- “A seemingly surprising factor in inflation? Immigration” from NPR

If you’ve got a question about the economy, business or technology, let us know. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org, or leave us a message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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A lot has happened since the attack on our Capitol two years ago.

We’ve had congressional hearings, impeachments, investigations. And through it all the country has remained deeply polarized.

In the past 40 years, the United States has polarized a lot faster than other wealthy democracies like Canada or Germany. Why is the U.S. so different?

“Right now, our [political] system makes it extremely difficult to break out of this kind of rigid binary, the two-party system that we have,” said Jennifer McCoy, a political science professor at Georgia State University.

On the show today, McCoy breaks down the state of our democracy post-Jan. 6, why the U.S. can’t seem to bridge its extreme political divide and what that could mean for the health of our economy and our democracy. Plus, some signs that all hope is not lost.

In the News Fix, we’ll go further into the far-right insurrection in Brazil over the weekend. Supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro stormed the country’s main government buildings in a strikingly similar fashion to the Jan. 6 attacks on the U.S. Capitol. We’ll discuss what connects the two and what kind of influence the U.S. may have had in Brazil.

Later, we’ll hear from a listener about keeping New Year’s resolutions, and a writer shares how her own research proved her wrong about creating lasting habits.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “How Can American Democracy Be Saved?” from Jennifer McCoy
- “Polls show Americans are divided on the significance of January 6” from The Brookings Institution
- “U.S. is polarizing faster than other democracies, study finds” from Brown University
- “Videos of Brazil attack show striking similarities to Jan. 6” from The Washington Post
- “How Trump’s allies stoked Brazil Congress attack” from BBC News

Got a question for our hosts? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org. Or leave us a voice message at 508 U-B-SMART, or 508-827-6278.

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Happy New Year! We’re back from our holiday break to discuss some of the biggest news stories of 2023 so far, including last week’s C-SPAN soap opera. New House Speaker Kevin McCarthy made some serious concessions to win that could spell out a future mess for debt limit and budget negotiations. Plus, why interest rates will likely stay up — for a while — and what that means for the economy. And, some good news about our planet: The ozone layer is healing!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Fed’s Raphael Bostic Favors Holding Rates Above 5% for ‘a Long Time’” from Bloomberg
- “Kevin McCarthy Deal With Rebels Would Heighten Risk of Debt Standoff” from Bloomberg
- “McCarthy concessions raise stakes on budget, debt limit” from Roll Call
- “Bills S Damar Hamlin discharged from Cincinnati hospital 1 week after terrifying collapse” from Yahoo Sports
- “The ozone layer is slowly, but surely, healing, the UN says” from PBS NewsHour

Do you (like Kimberly) already have some big thoughts about 2023? Share them with us! We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org, or leave us a message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Hey smarties! We’re on a break for the holidays and revisiting some favorite episodes from 2021. We want to say a big thank-you for being part of the “Make Me Smart” family this year — every voicemail, question and donation made a huge difference. None of us is as smart as all of us, and we couldn’t do this show without you. There’s still time to help Marketplace reach its end-of-year fundraising goal. If you can, please donate here. Thanks, happy holidays and we’ll see you in the new year.

Labor organizing looks a lot different today.

The workplaces are different compared to decades ago. Think less industrial factories with thousands of workers and more Starbucks, REI and Trader Joe’s with bargaining units of a couple of dozen employees, all organizing one location at a time.

“On one hand, it could be easier because you’ve got a smaller group of people to be making the demands. But then you have this challenge of power … it’s hard when you’re looking at a massive corporation, but you’re organizing it piece by piece,” said Sarah Jaffe, labor journalist and co-host of the podcast “Belabored.”

The AFL-CIO’s goal is to unionize 1 million workers in the next decade. Could organizing smaller workplaces be the path toward reversing decades of declining union membership?

On the show today, what labor organizing looks like in the modern economy, why it’s different from what we saw in the past and what it means for the workplace of 2022 and beyond.

In the News Fix, the wild story of an Olympic athlete and what it says about modern-day slavery. Plus, we’ll tell you about an airport to avoid if you’re traveling this summer. Later, we’ll hear from listeners about deep sighs and coupons, and we’ll make you smart about flapjacks!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “How do workers take on a national chain like Starbucks? One store at a time” from Fast Company
- “Americans have lost confidence in everything from organized religion to Congress, but their faith in unions is staying strong” from Business Insider
- “Union Election Petitions Increase 57% In First Half of Fiscal Year 2022” from the National Labor Relations Board
- Jan. 6 hearing live updates: Panel to explore how Trump summoned extremist groups to Washington from The Washington Post
- “British Runner Mo Farah Says He Was Trafficked as a Child” from The New York Times
- “London’s Heathrow Airport Will Limit Passengers for the Summer” from The New York Times

Got a question for our hosts? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org. Or leave us a voice message at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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Hey smarties! We’re on a break for the holidays and revisiting some favorite episodes from 2022. We want to say a big thank-you for being part of the “Make Me Smart” family this year — every voicemail, question and donation made a huge difference. None of us is as smart as all of us, and we couldn’t do this show without you. There’s still time to help Marketplace reach its end-of-year fundraising goal. If you can, please donate here. Thanks, happy holidays and we’ll see you in the new year.

As the threat of climate change grows, expect to hear more about solar geoengineering.

It came up during our recent episode with sci-fi author Neal Stephenson, and it involves spraying tiny particles into the stratosphere to deflect the sun’s rays away from the Earth and cool the planet.

“It’s a pretty old idea and it has run into such opposition, in terms of research, that we have yet to have any rigorous tests of whether it is even, you know, remotely possible,” said Elizabeth Kolbert, a climate journalist and author of “Under a White Sky: The Nature of the Future.”

Critics still believe the risks outweigh potential benefits, but that hasn’t stopped others from supporting the idea as a potential solution to our climate woes.

On the show today, the promise and peril of solar geoengineering.

In the News Fix, we’ll discuss a historic settlement between Sandy Hook families and gun manufacturer Remington Arms. Also, we’ll explain why billionaire philanthropists are a social policy issue.

Then we’ll hear from listeners about last week’s episode on the NFL racial discrimination lawsuit, and we’ll have an answer to the Make Me Smart question that will teach you something about weather forecasting!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Should We Block the Sun? Scientists Say the Time Has Come to Study It.” from The New York Times
- “Why a landmark experiment into dimming the sun got canceled” from Grist
- Plaintiffs say they have a settlement agreement with the maker of the gun used in the Sandy Hook shooting from Connecticut Public Radio
- “U.S. Producer-Price Inflation Stays Hot, Reinforcing Fed’s Plan to Start Raising Rates” from Bloomberg
- “Elon Musk Gave $5.7 Billion of Tesla Shares to Charity Last Year” from The Wall Street Journal
- How to Become a National Weather Service Storm Spotter

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On Make Me Smart, we often turn to economists, professors and policy wonks to make us smart about some big topics that need explaining. Today, we’re turning to a different kind of expert, sci-fi writer Neal Stephenson.

His latest book, “Termination Shock,” is about climate change, geoengineering and what happens when a billionaire decides to take matters into his own hands.

“I’m past trying to convince people that climate change is real. What I was more interested in was, for an audience that believes that climate change is real, what are some outcomes that we might see, in the near future, as different people in different countries begin to try to come to grips with that problem, because opinions differ as to what the right approach might be. And whenever you get differing opinions, you’ve got conflict, and whenever you’ve got conflict, you have the potential for a good story,” Stephenson said.

We’ll talk with Stephenson about how he thinks about big, complex issues like climate change and what this genre can teach us about the future and solving problems in the real world. Speaking of the future, Stephenson, who coined the word “metaverse” in 1992, weighs in on all the hullaballoo over the metaverse today.

In the News Fix, what’s behind all the news, or lack thereof, that we’re not getting from Tonga after this weekend’s volcano eruption? Also, you can get your free rapid COVID-19 test now.

Then, a listener drops some facts on the James Webb Space Telescope and what a former Google researcher was really wrong about.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “‘Termination Shock,’ by Neal Stephenson: An Excerpt” from The New York Times
- Neal Stephenson on “Termination Shock,” geoengineering, metaverse from CNBC
- “Neal Stephenson Thinks Greed Might Be the Thing That Saves Us” from The New York Times
- “Undersea cable fault could cut off Tonga from rest of the world for weeks” from Yahoo Finance
- “California surpasses 7 million coronavirus cases” from The Los Angeles Times
- U.S. stocks fall sharply as 10-year yield tops 1.80%, Goldman earnings disappoint from MarketWatch
- “Mum admits to being mystery Netflix user who’s watched Bee Movie 357 times in a YEAR” from The Sun

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For our final episode of 2022, we’re throwing a holiday party with music, Santa hats, drinks and our favorite game, Half-Full/Half-Empty. But can’t forget about the News Fix. Today, we’re talking about a surge in COVID cases amid the holiday travel season. Also, the struggle to find housing in D.C. is real. We’ll explain what happened to a soon-to-be congressman when he went apartment hunting. Plus, we want to hear about your New Year’s resolutions!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “WTO says Trump’s steel tariffs violated global trade rules” from Politico
- “Maxwell Frost, future Gen Z congressman, denied D.C. apartment over bad credit” from The Washington Post
- “BofA Chief Moynihan Says He Likes His Job, Hasn’t Focused on Yellen’s” from Bloomberg
- Los Angeles County COVID Case Tracker from The New York Times
- “Hellmann’s Wants You to Put Mayo in Your Eggnog This Holiday Season” from Food & Wine
- “Mayonnaise eggnog? Here’s why brands still gamble on wacky food promotions” from Marketplace
- “Who Is—and Isn’t—Getting a Holiday Bonus This Year” from The Wall Street Journal
- Holiday Gift Guides from Wirecutter
- “The jazzy ‘Charlie Brown Christmas’ soundtrack swings on after 57 years” from NPR
- “‘Metaverse’ lost the word of the year contest to ‘goblin mode'” from Business Insider

We’ll be back with new shows Jan. 9! Until then, we’re dropping some of our top episodes of the year in your feeds.

If you’d like to share your New Year’s resolutions, leave us a voicemail at (508) U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Today’s episode mentions heavy topics like substance use disorder and death, which some listeners might find distressing.

Last year, 80,000 Americans died due to opioid overdoses. Kimberly opens up about losing a loved one to the epidemic and highlights new research on the impact of opioids on the labor market. Plus, political prisoner Brittney Griner is home.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Labor Market Consequences of the Opioid Tragedy” from American Action Forum
- NEXT Distro offers free harm reduction resources
- Never Use Alone is a 24/7 overdose response hotline
- Find Harm Reduction Resources Near You from the National Harm Reduction Coalition
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Tweet from @ABCPolitics about Brittney Griner’s homecoming
- “Free Austin Tice” from the National Press Club

Join us tomorrow for our final episode of 2022. We’re hosting a festive Economics on Tap starting at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time/3:30 p.m. Pacific time on YouTube Live.

And if you have a holiday cocktail recipe or beer we should try, please send it our way. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org or (508) U-B-SMART.

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When the latest jobs report dropped, so did stock prices. A listener wrote in to ask why Wall Street isn’t a fan of the hot labor market. We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions about how post-merger SPACs are holding up and how switching to an electric vehicle can save you money. Also, we’ll hear from Kimberly’s mom about her early Christmas decorating!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Dow Down 300 Points After Strong Jobs Report — Here’s Why The Market’s Rooting For Higher Unemployment Right Now” from Forbes
- “Fed’s Powell: Rate hikes to slow, but adjustment just beginning” from Reuters
- “According to at least one statistic, the job market seems to be cooling” from Marketplace
- “The SPAC craze, explained” from Marketplace
- “SPACs Were All the Rage. Now, Not So Much.” from The New York Times
- “How Much Does It Cost to Charge an EV?” from Lifewire

As 2022 winds down, so are we! Join us Friday for our final episode of the year. We’re hosting a special holiday-inspired Economics on Tap starting at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time/3:30 p.m. Pacific on YouTube Live.

And if you have a holiday cocktail recipe or beer we should try, please send it our way. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org or 508-U-B-SMART.

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Today we’re talking about that thing we all sort of dread paying: insurance. It’s a big business and a critical part of the housing market and our economy. But in the era of climate change, this multitrillion-dollar industry is being disrupted in a major way.

There’s data that shows insured losses from extreme weather disasters will exceed $100 billion for the second year in a row. And in one state in particular, the situation is, well, messy. On the show, Marketplace’s Amy Scott walks us through Florida’s complicated insurance marketplace and explains what’s at stake if the insurance industry doesn’t prepare for our changing climate.

In the News Fix, there are signs the U.S. economy is dis-inflating. Kai talks about what this might mean for interest rates. Meanwhile, Kimberly highlights a blockbuster case before the Supreme Court that could have major implications for the 2024 election and beyond.

Later, we’ll hear from a listener who picked up ice skating, and a writer explains what she got wrong about the mantra “It’s better to give than to receive.”

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- Check out episode 5 and episode 6 of the “How We Survive” podcast on Florida’s broken insurance market
- “Insurance needs insurance too: reinsurance and cat bonds explained” from APM Research Lab
- “Insured losses from disasters will exceed $100B for second year in a row, led by Hurricane Ian, new data shows” from CBS Miami
- “In high-stakes election case, justices will decide validity of ‘independent state legislature’ theory” from SCOTUSblog
- “Club Q alleged shooter charged with murder, hate crimes in second court appearance” from Colorado Public Radio
- “The Best Santa Hats for Christmas” from Wirecutter

As 2022 winds down, so are we! Join us Friday for our final episode of the year. We’re hosting a special holiday-inspired Economics on Tap starting at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT on YouTube livestream.

And if you have a holiday cocktail recipe for Kimberly, please send it our way. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org or 508-U-B-SMART!

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There’s a new AI chatbot that’s going viral. Popular results shared on social media show just how scary accurate the chatbot can be. We’ll discuss what widespread use of artificial intelligence like this could mean for certain sectors of the economy and the spread of misinformation. Also, an update on the status of Iran’s morality police. And, Kimberly shares her encounter with a feisty camel.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “New AI chatbot is scary good” from Axios
- “Real ID Deadline for Airline Travel Is Being Pushed Back to 2025” from Bloomberg
- “Is this the end for Iran’s notorious morality police?” from CNN
- “Did Iran Actually Abolish Its Morality Police?” from Foreign Policy
- “Life, Death, and Total Football” from GQ
- “Camel pageant is among World Cup’s sidelines attractions” from AP News

If you’ve got a question about the economy, business or technology, let us know. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org, or leave us a message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Today, we’re doing the numbers on the latest national jobs report. Women got the majority of jobs gained in November. We’ll explain why this isn’t a total win. Plus, Iowa traditionally holds the first Democratic caucus, making the state superinfluential during election seasons. But that’s all about to change. And, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “DNC moves forward with dramatic change to presidential primary calendar” from Politico
- Tweet from @BetseyStevenson about the jobs report
- “Why Are Middle-Aged Men Missing From the Labor Market?” from The New York Times
- “November Jobs Report: Strong Job Growth Continues, But There Are Hints of Weakness” from the University of Michigan
- “The Big Problem With Spotify Wrapped” from Wired
- Tweet from @TheDailyShow about World Cup spectators yelling at each other
- “Black Twitter has been a cultural engine. Where will that community go if the site breaks?” from Marketplace
- “Amazon Plans to Invest $1 Billion a Year in Movies for Theaters” from Bloomberg
- “Why Japan’s winning goal vs. Spain was awarded by the VAR after the ball appeared to go out” from ESPN
- “Pepsi wants you to drink soda mixed with milk this holiday season” from CNN Business

We can’t do this show without you. Keep sending your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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idespread access to charging stations is key to getting drivers to go electric. But the businesses who can build those stations still aren’t sure how they’ll make money. Today, we’ll discuss the EV charging station dilemma. Plus, we’ll highlight an investigation into the failures of Florida’s foster care system. And, tell you about the women making history at the men’s World Cup. Then, Kimberly defends her status as a Midwesterner.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Why America Doesn’t Have Enough EV Charging Stations” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Austan Goolsbee Named Next President of the Chicago Fed” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Innocence Sold: Foster system a pipeline for child sex traffickers” from The Sun Sentinel
- “Referee Stéphanie Frappart Will Lead First All-Woman Team at World Cup” from The New York Times
- “NASA Awards $57M Contract to Build Roads on the Moon” from Nextgov

We can’t do this show without you. Keep sending your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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When the former cryptocurrency exchange FTX went under, billions of dollars in investments seemingly vanished. A listener asked us why FTX customers didn’t move money to a wallet. We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions about what happens when your company goes public and who benefits when you make a charitable donation at the grocery store checkout lane. Also, where do political campaign signs end up when the election’s over?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “What Are The Risks Of Crypto Savings Accounts?” from Forbes
- “Tom Brady, Stephen Curry, Larry David and Other Celebrities Are Being Sued for Pushing FTX” from Observer
- “The Ups and Downs of Initial Public Offerings” from Investopedia
- “So Your Company Is Going Public? 5 Things Every Employee Should Know” from Nasdaq
- “How to recycle political campaign signs” from Today
- “Who Gets the Tax Benefit For Those Checkout Donations?” from the Tax Policy Center
- “Where do your donations at the checkout register go?” from Marketplace
- “Meet America’s Charity Checkout Champions 2021” from Engage for Good
- “‘Checkout charity’ can increase a shopper’s anxiety, especially when asks are automated” from The Conversation

If you’ve got a question about the economy, business or technology, let us know. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org, or leave us a message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Amazon. Meta. Twitter. A lot of tech companies are letting workers go. According to one estimate, nearly 140,000 have been laid off in the industry this year. And while that’s small compared to job losses during the dot-com bust, the vibes are not great.

On the show today, Rucha Vankudre, a senior economist at labor analysis firm Lightcast, walks us through what’s driving the latest layoffs across the tech industry and what it all might mean for the U.S. economy. Is it a sign of things to come? (Fyi: We expect JOLTS numbers and the November jobs report this week.)

In the News Fix, it’s all about the Democrats. We’re taking a closer look at their position on the railroad strike along with plans to shake up future Democratic presidential contests.

Then, we’ll hear about the world’s greatest eggnog recipe, and a listener calls in to share what she got wrong about being laid off.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Tech Layoffs Are Here. That Doesn’t Mean the Sky Is Falling.” by Rucha Vankudre in Barron’s
- “Tech layoffs show why managing growth can be so tricky for companies” from Marketplace
- “Congressional Leaders Say They Will Act to Prevent Rail Strike” from The New York Times
- Twitter thread from the NYT’s Binyamin Appelbaum
- “Democrats prepare to upend presidential primary calendar” from Politico
- “World’s Greatest Eggnog” from Garden & Gun magazine

It’s Giving Tuesday. TRIPLE the impact of your donation to Marketplace today: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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Chinese President Xi Jinping’s strict zero-COVID policies have kept the virus at bay, but public frustration with lockdowns and a stunted economy are coming to a boil. We’ll discuss what recent mass protests could mean for the Chinese economy. Plus, who gets to access public lands in the United States? A navigation app is revealing how much public land is blocked by privately owned land. And, how artificial intelligence could help us connect with our inner child.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Chinese Protests Put Xi Jinping in a Bind” from The Wall Street Journal
- @jpakradio’s coverage of the Chinese lockdowns on Instagram
- “Musk claims Apple threatens to remove Twitter from App Store” from The Washington Post
- “It’s Public Land. But the Public Can’t Reach It.” from The New York Times
- “Supreme Court Case Could Curtail Rights of Medicaid Patients” from The Pew Charitable Trusts
- “Merriam-Webster’s word of the year is gaslighting” from CNN
- Tweet from @Reuters about a protestor at the FIFA World Cup
- “White House reveals a homier look for 2022 holiday decorations” from The Washington Post
- Tweet from @michellehuang42 about talking to her inner child via AI bot

Be a Giving Tuesday early bird! TRIPLE the impact of your donation to Marketplace today: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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There’s lots of debate over globalization. Some experts believe globalization is dying. Others say it’s going through a reboot. And some think the free flow of goods across borders is evolving into something else.

But what if we never really globalized to begin with?

On the show today, Shannon O’Neil, author of “The Globalization Myth,” breaks down what we got wrong about globalization and what it means for the future of the U.S. economy.

In the News Fix, how inflation is affecting the cost of a Thanksgiving meal. Plus, are rich people running a shell game with money and the global economy?

Then, we’ll hear from a teacher who left the profession and learn why talking about the weather isn’t so boring after all.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “The Globalization Myth: Why Regions Matter” by Shannon K. O’Neil
- “Is this the end of globalization?” from Marketplace
- “Sam Bankman-Fried, Elon Musk, and a secret text” from Semafor
- “The rising cost of Thanksgiving” from CNN
- “Real wages are falling nearly everywhere” from Axios
- “The Types of Clouds and What They Mean” from Jet Propulsion Lab

“Make Me Smart” will be off the rest of the week for the Thanksgiving holiday. We’ll be back on Monday. In the meantime, keep sending your comments and questions to 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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FTX customers fear they’ll never get their money back from the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange. They’re not wrong to worry. Could this further erode consumers’ trust in the financial system? Plus, mourners are grieving the victims of a deadly mass shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Meanwhile, in Qatar, anti-LGBTQ rules are already being tested at the 2022 World Cup. Then, Kimberly makes us smile with a story about ice-skating and perseverance.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “FTX Crypto Customers Worry They Will Never See Their Money Again” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Charities funded by Sam Bankman-Fried may be asked to return donations: ‘I had assumed FTX to be a reputable company'” from MarketWatch
- “American journalist detained at World Cup” from News.com.au
- “Seven European World Cup captains ditch One Love arm band under FIFA pressure” from Reuters
- “GLAAD CEO blasts anti-LGBTQ pols, social media companies after Club Q shooting” from ABC News
- “Interfaith church gathers to remember Club Q victims and raise awareness of anti-trans violence” from Colorado Public Radio
- “In a First, Rich Countries Agree to Pay for Climate Damages in Poor Nations” from The New York Times
- “COP27 climate talks: what succeeded, what failed and what’s next” from Nature
- “Pink Rollerskates Into 2022 AMAs With Dazzling ‘Never Gonna Not Dance Again’ Opener” from Rolling Stone

We can’t do this show without you. Keep sending your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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At the start of the year, a survey from the National Education Association revealed that more than 50% of teachers were thinking about leaving their jobs. And now teachers are quitting en masse. We’ll discuss what this could mean for classrooms nationwide. Also, the case of disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes is coming to a close. Plus, the moral quandary of World Cup 2022. And, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Empty Classrooms, Abandoned Kids: Inside America’s Great Teacher Resignation” from The New York Times
- “Elizabeth Holmes Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Prison: Live Updates” from The Wall Street Journal
- “Qatar Bans Beer Sales at World Cup Stadiums” from The New York Times
- “How Ticketmaster came to dominate live events (and incur the wrath of Taylor Swift fans)” from Marketplace
- “Ticketmaster’s Parent Company Said to Face Justice Department Investigation” from The New York Times
- “What Silicon Valley’s boom-and-bust history tells us about its latest slowdown” from Marketplace
- “There’s a hiring boom for diversity and inclusion managers. And the jobs have high turnover.” from Marketplace
- “American workers are bummed out” from Marketplace

We can’t do this show without you. Keep sending your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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FTX, the recently imploded cryptocurrency exchange, has filed for bankruptcy. The new CEO said he’s never seen corporate mismanagement quite like this. We’ll unpack new revelations about what went wrong from the company’s bankruptcy filings. Plus, we’ll look back on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s legacy. And, Kai and Kimberly stan Lizzo!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- Editorial: “Nancy Pelosi has been a trailblazer. The U.S. is better for her leadership” from The Los Angeles Times
- Opinion | “Nancy Pelosi’s strategies were flawed. Democrats must move on from them.” from The Washington Post
- “Senate advances bill to protect same-sex marriage in federal law” from The Washington Post
- “Never seen ‘such a complete failure’ of corporate controls, says new FTX CEO who also oversaw Enron bankruptcy” from CNBC
- Tweet from @GRDecter on FTX’s bankruptcy court filing
- Musk Softens Remote-Work Mandate to Retain Twitter Staffers from Bloomberg
- Tweet from @nataliewsj about Nancy Pelosi’s daily lunch
- “Here’s What Happened to the Writer Who Wore Lizzo’s Dress to Out100” from Out
- TikTok from @auriellebewritin unboxing Lizzo’s dress
- “Lizzo Monologue” from SNL

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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Every election season, headlines speculate about which political polls got it right and how others got it so wrong. A listener called in to ask if they even matter. We’ll get into it and answer questions about whether the 2017 tax cuts set us up for inflation and state lawmakers’ surprisingly low wages. Plus, how are individual shareholders affected when companies like Twitter go from public to private?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Reporting on Asian Americans’ views is a challenge even as polls evolve” from Pew Research Center
- “Why it’s so hard to agree on the causes of inflation” from Marketplace
- “Conservatives rally behind pay raise for Nebraska lawmakers” from AP News
- “Comparison of state legislative salaries” from Ballotpedia
- “Low Pay In State Legislatures Means Some Can’t Afford The Job” from NPR
- “Twitter shareholders vote in favor of Elon Musk’s $44 billion takeover deal” from CNN Business
- “How do I vote at a corporate election?” from Investor.gov
- “Few individual investors participate in shareholder voting. Here’s how that may be changing” from CNBC

If you’ve got a question about the economy, business or technology, let us know. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org, or leave us a message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Reporting on Asian Americans’ views is a challenge even as polls evolve” from Pew Research Center
- “Why it’s so hard to agree on the causes of inflation” from Marketplace
- “Conservatives rally behind pay raise for Nebraska lawmakers” from AP News
- “Comparison of state legislative salaries” from Ballotpedia
- “Low Pay In State Legislatures Means Some Can’t Afford The Job” from NPR
- “Twitter shareholders vote in favor of Elon Musk’s $44 billion takeover deal” from CNN Business
- “How do I vote at a corporate election?” from Investor.gov
- “Few individual investors participate in shareholder voting. Here’s how that may be changing” from CNBC

If you’ve got a question about the economy, business or technology, let us know. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org, or leave us a message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Since Elon Musk bought Twitter, over a million people (including Kai and Kimberly) have joined Mastodon, a decentralized social media network.

On the show today, Robert Gehl, professor of communications and media studies at York University in Toronto, explains the ins and outs of Mastodon and decentralized social media and what it means for our public discourse.

In the News Fix, we’ll talk about why mortgage rates are so darn high (it’s not all because of rising interest rates) and the future of self-driving cars — don’t plan to take your hands off the wheel anytime soon.

Later, we’ll hear from a listener about what it takes to run for a local school board in Wisconsin. Plus, the eBay hack you didn’t know you needed.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “What Is Mastodon and Why Are People Leaving Twitter for It?” from The New York Times
- “Mastodon Mobs and Mastodon Mods: Dealing with Outside Groups Pressuring Instance Administrators” from Code Sections
- Kai’s Mastodon handle: @kairyssdal@mastodon.world
- Kimberly’s Mastodon handle: @kimberlyadams@mastodon.online
- You can also find Kimberly on Tribel and Cohost
- “What Riding in a Self-Driving Tesla Tells Us About the Future of Autonomy” from The New York Times
- “Mortgage Rates Are High Because Nobody Is Buying Mortgages” from The Wall Street Journal

We want to hear from you. If you’ve joined Mastodon or are staying with Twitter, let us know how it’s going. We’re at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Since Elon Musk bought Twitter, over a million people (including Kai and Kimberly) have joined Mastodon, a decentralized social media network.

Later, we’ll hear from a listener about what it takes to run for a local school board in Wisconsin. Plus, the eBay hack you didn’t know you needed.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “What Is Mastodon and Why Are People Leaving Twitter for It?” from The New York Times
- “Mastodon Mobs and Mastodon Mods: Dealing with Outside Groups Pressuring Instance Administrators” from Code Sections
- Kai’s Mastodon handle: @kairyssdal@mastodon.world
- Kimberly’s Mastodon handle: @kimberlyadams@mastodon.online
- You can also find Kimberly on Tribel and Cohost
- “What Riding in a Self-Driving Tesla Tells Us About the Future of Autonomy” from The New York Times
- “Mortgage Rates Are High Because Nobody Is Buying Mortgages” from The Wall Street Journal

We want to hear from you. If you’ve joined Mastodon or are staying with Twitter, let us know how it’s going. We’re at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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For the first time since the start of the pandemic, the leaders of the two most powerful countries in the world met face to face, on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit today. We’ll talk about why this IRL meeting matters and what the future of U.S.-China relations could mean for the global economy. Plus, there are signs the Federal Reserve is getting ready to slow its roll on interest rate hikes. And, Kai Ryssdal and Kimberly Adams talk missions to the moon, past and present!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Biden and Xi clash over Taiwan in Bali but Cold War fears cool” from Reuters
- “Lael Brainard Says Fed Probably Will ‘Soon’ Slow Pace of Interest-Rate Hikes” from Bloomberg
- “Time Is Running Out for the Leap Second” from The New York Times
- “NASA’s Artemis 1 moon mission still ‘go’ for Nov. 16 launch” from Space.com
- Kai recommends the book “Apollo Remastered” by photographer Andy Saunders

If you’ve got a question for the hosts or your own answer to the Make Me Smart question, call 508-U-B-SMART and leave us a voicemail. Or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Biden and Xi clash over Taiwan in Bali but Cold War fears cool” from Reuters
- “Lael Brainard Says Fed Probably Will ‘Soon’ Slow Pace of Interest-Rate Hikes” from Bloomberg
- “Time Is Running Out for the Leap Second” from The New York Times
- “NASA’s Artemis 1 moon mission still ‘go’ for Nov. 16 launch” from Space.com
- Kai recommends the book “Apollo Remastered” by photographer Andy Saunders

If you’ve got a question for the hosts or your own answer to the Make Me Smart question, call 508-U-B-SMART and leave us a voicemail. Or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Rich countries, like the United States, are the biggest emitters of gases that drive climate change. Should they pay developing countries for climate damage? Kai and guest host Andy Uhler recap the COP27 summit and the debate over climate reparations. Plus, NASA thought it had collected all the artifacts from the 1986 space shuttle Challenger disaster, until now. And, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “About Biden’s climate pit stop” from Politico
- “Here’s What Happened on Tuesday at the COP27 Climate Summit” from The New York Times
- “Divers Discover Piece of Space Shuttle Challenger Off Florida Coast” from The New York Times
- “It’s not a fluke, it’s a rot: Why the political media blew the 2022 election” from Press Watch
- “Why high interest rates are partly responsible for the $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot” from Marketplace
- “Coming soon to a theater near you: company Zoom meetings” from Marketplace
- “Elon Musk’s first big Twitter product paused after fake accounts spread” from The Washington Post
- “Are ‘I Voted’ stickers worth the cost?” from Marketplace

We can’t do this show without you. Keep sending your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “About Biden’s climate pit stop” from Politico
- “Here’s What Happened on Tuesday at the COP27 Climate Summit” from The New York Times
- “Divers Discover Piece of Space Shuttle Challenger Off Florida Coast” from The New York Times
- “It’s not a fluke, it’s a rot: Why the political media blew the 2022 election” from Press Watch
- “Why high interest rates are partly responsible for the $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot” from Marketplace
- “Coming soon to a theater near you: company Zoom meetings” from Marketplace
- “Elon Musk’s first big Twitter product paused after fake accounts spread” from The Washington Post
- “Are ‘I Voted’ stickers worth the cost?” from Marketplace

We can’t do this show without you. Keep sending your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Earlier this week, we told you about two cryptocurrency giants joining forces. Well, that deal fell apart, and now a major crypto exchange is in big trouble. Kimberly and guest host Andy Uhler talk about the fallout from FTX’s collapse. Plus, we’ll check in on El Salvador’s bitcoin investments. Then, the hosts’ attempt to make us smile fails, but they later redeem themselves.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- Opinion | Brittney Griner moves to a Russian penal colony. Biden has no good options from The Washington Post
- “Behind FTX’s fall, battling billionaires and a failed bid to save crypto” from Reuters
- El Salvador Says China Offered to Buy Its Debt Amid Default Fears from Business Insider
- El Salvador’s bitcoin holdings down 60% to $60 million, one year later from CNBC
- “For the first time, Texas voters send Muslims and openly gay Black men to Legislature” from The Texas Tribune
- Tweet from Eli Lilly and Co. parody account
- Tweet about a classroom of second-graders paying rent on their desks

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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Here’s everything we talked about today:

- Opinion | Brittney Griner moves to a Russian penal colony. Biden has no good options from The Washington Post
- “Behind FTX’s fall, battling billionaires and a failed bid to save crypto” from Reuters
- El Salvador Says China Offered to Buy Its Debt Amid Default Fears from Business Insider
- El Salvador’s bitcoin holdings down 60% to $60 million, one year later from CNBC
- “For the first time, Texas voters send Muslims and openly gay Black men to Legislature” from The Texas Tribune
- Tweet from Eli Lilly and Co. parody account
- Tweet about a classroom of second-graders paying rent on their desks

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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You can now pay to get verified on Twitter (without actually verifying your identity). What does this mean for misinformation on the app? We’ll discuss. Plus, Kai Ryssdal explains why he joined Mastodon, the Twitter alternative. And we’ll answer more of your questions about inflation, the future of sports broadcasting and California’s sky-high gas prices.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Why eBay Wins From Supply Chain Woes” from The Motley Fool
- “Twitter Is Said to Delay Changes to Check Mark Badges Until After Midterms” from The New York Times
- “Twitter Blue verification separates ‘notable’ accounts from subscribers” from The Verge
- Tweet from @elonmusk about the brief “official” badge
- “NWSL has plenty of ‘ammo’ for TV rights deal, says Angel City’s Ohanian” from Reuters
- “Apple scores deal for Major League Soccer streaming rights worth $2.5bn” from the Financial Times
- “Why are California’s gas prices so high?” from Marketplace
- “California repeatedly warned about spiking gas prices, fragile supply. But fixes never came” from the Los Angeles Times
- “Why are gas prices high in California? Consumer group calls for windfall profit tax on oil companies” from ABC7 News
- Tweet from @tweetohkyle asking about Mastodon

If you’ve got a question about the economy, business or technology, let us know. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org, or leave us a message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Why eBay Wins From Supply Chain Woes” from The Motley Fool
- “Twitter Is Said to Delay Changes to Check Mark Badges Until After Midterms” from The New York Times
- “Twitter Blue verification separates ‘notable’ accounts from subscribers” from The Verge
- Tweet from @elonmusk about the brief “official” badge
- “NWSL has plenty of ‘ammo’ for TV rights deal, says Angel City’s Ohanian” from Reuters
- “Apple scores deal for Major League Soccer streaming rights worth $2.5bn” from the Financial Times
- “Why are California’s gas prices so high?” from Marketplace
- “California repeatedly warned about spiking gas prices, fragile supply. But fixes never came” from the Los Angeles Times
- “Why are gas prices high in California? Consumer group calls for windfall profit tax on oil companies” from ABC7 News
- Tweet from @tweetohkyle asking about Mastodon

If you’ve got a question about the economy, business or technology, let us know. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org, or leave us a message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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School board races have become some of the most contentious elections of the 2022 midterms. These used to be mostly local affairs, with candidates typically raising less than $1,000 from friends and family. But now it’s not uncommon for big national political action committees to sink tens of thousands into a single race. It’s a trend that goes back more than a decade and has been supercharged by culture war issues and the pandemic.

Today, we talk with Rebecca Jacobsen, a professor of education policy at Michigan State University, about the implications of outside money in school board elections for education policy and local democracy.

In the News Fix, we’ll discuss what’s being done to address voter intimidation at the polls. Plus, two cryptocurrency giants are joining forces.

Then, we’ll hear from a listener who wonders if the universe is sending us an Election Day message, and a mathematician who has thought a lot about “How Not to Be Wrong” answers the “Make Me Smart” question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Conservative groups are spending big on school board races” from Marketplace
- National Super PACS are spending on local school board races from USA Today
- CZ’s Binance to Buy Rival FTX After Sam Bankman-Fried Faces Liquidity Crunch from Bloomberg
- “Justice Dept. dispatching Election Day monitors to 64 jurisdictions” from The Washington Post
- This hotline is ready to troubleshoot your voting related issues
- Next Up in the Night Sky: A Total Lunar Eclipse from The New York Times
- Meet the mathematician who answered this week’s “Make Me Smart” question

We want to hear your answer to the “Make Me Smart” question. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART. You can also email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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In the News Fix, we’ll discuss what’s being done to address voter intimidation at the polls. Plus, two cryptocurrency giants are joining forces.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Conservative groups are spending big on school board races” from Marketplace
- National Super PACS are spending on local school board races from USA Today
- CZ’s Binance to Buy Rival FTX After Sam Bankman-Fried Faces Liquidity Crunch from Bloomberg
- “Justice Dept. dispatching Election Day monitors to 64 jurisdictions” from The Washington Post
- This hotline is ready to troubleshoot your voting related issues
- Next Up in the Night Sky: A Total Lunar Eclipse from The New York Times
- Meet the mathematician who answered this week’s “Make Me Smart” question

We want to hear your answer to the “Make Me Smart” question. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART. You can also email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Twitter is supposed to be the digital version of the public square. But what happens when the richest person in the world buys it and tells you how to vote? We’ll talk about why that’s troubling and whether Twitter is turning into the next Truth Social. Plus, young Latinas in Texas are using their quinceañeras to get their communities to the polls. And, after years of complaints, Airbnb is finally doing something about those pesky hidden fees.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- Tweet from @elonmusk about which party he thinks you should vote for
- “Senator Elizabeth Warren Raises Pressure on Fed Over Ethics Lapses” from Bloomberg
- Airbnb makes cleaning fees more transparent with total price searches from The Washington Post
- “Young Latinas are using their quinceañeras to get Texas voters to the polls this election” from Prism
- “Pasadena school becomes nation’s first named after Octavia Butler” from The 19th
- “National Park Service Asks Visitors to Please Stop Licking Toads” from The New York Times

If you’ve got a question for the hosts or your own answer to the “Make Me Smart” question, call 508-U-B-SMART and leave us a voicemail. You can email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Here’s everything we talked about today:

- Tweet from @elonmusk about which party he thinks you should vote for
- “Senator Elizabeth Warren Raises Pressure on Fed Over Ethics Lapses” from Bloomberg
- Airbnb makes cleaning fees more transparent with total price searches from The Washington Post
- “Young Latinas are using their quinceañeras to get Texas voters to the polls this election” from Prism
- “Pasadena school becomes nation’s first named after Octavia Butler” from The 19th
- “National Park Service Asks Visitors to Please Stop Licking Toads” from The New York Times

If you’ve got a question for the hosts or your own answer to the “Make Me Smart” question, call 508-U-B-SMART and leave us a voicemail. You can email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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If you’re looking for a job in the oil and gas industry, chances are it’s yours. The jobless rate for the U.S. oil industry is at a historic low, and producers are scrambling for workers. We’ll explain what this means for President Joe Biden’s plan to ramp production and bring down gasoline prices. Plus, new revelations about Russian atrocities in Ukraine. On a lighter note, we’ll also play a round of Half Full/Half Empty! And, guest host Andy Uhler’s dog makes a surprise appearance.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “How Russian soldiers ran a ‘cleansing’ operation in Bucha” from AP News
- “Shale Patch Unemployment Plummets as US Explorers Vie for Crews” from Bloomberg
- “Deepfake videos on TikTok can be fun. They can also be malicious.” from Marketplace
- EV sales accelerate, but crucial graphite is in short supply from Marketplace
- “With prices rising on cheap beer, some consumers spend extra on premium” from Marketplace
- “Is the era of free returns for online purchases coming to an end?” from Marketplace

If you’ve got a question for the hosts, leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART. You can also send an email to makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Donate $5 a month or $60 to Marketplace today, and we’ll send you the cool Marketplace flight paddle: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “How Russian soldiers ran a ‘cleansing’ operation in Bucha” from AP News
- “Shale Patch Unemployment Plummets as US Explorers Vie for Crews” from Bloomberg
- “Deepfake videos on TikTok can be fun. They can also be malicious.” from Marketplace
- EV sales accelerate, but crucial graphite is in short supply from Marketplace
- “With prices rising on cheap beer, some consumers spend extra on premium” from Marketplace
- “Is the era of free returns for online purchases coming to an end?” from Marketplace

If you’ve got a question for the hosts, leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART. You can also send an email to makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Donate $5 a month or $60 to Marketplace today, and we’ll send you the cool Marketplace flight paddle: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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Companies like Audi and General Mills are temporarily pulling their ads from Twitter. They’re not fans of Elon Musk’s ideas for more relaxed content moderation policies on the platform. We’ll talk about what that might mean for the future of the company. Plus, Kimberly Adams talks about the new social media sites she’s checking out in case Twitter goes off the rails. And, Daylight Saving or standard time?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “U.S. Congress split on making daylight-saving time permanent” from Reuters
- “Why daylight saving time is worse for your body than standard time” from The Washington Post
- “General Mills, Audi and Pfizer Join Growing List of Companies Pausing Twitter Ads” from The Wall Street Journal
- “The next attempt to launch the Artemis I mission will be at night” from The Verge
- “A huge tunnel has opened below Niagara Falls” from CNN

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “U.S. Congress split on making daylight-saving time permanent” from Reuters
- “Why daylight saving time is worse for your body than standard time” from The Washington Post
- “General Mills, Audi and Pfizer Join Growing List of Companies Pausing Twitter Ads” from The Wall Street Journal
- “The next attempt to launch the Artemis I mission will be at night” from The Verge
- “A huge tunnel has opened below Niagara Falls” from CNN

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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Political candidates are always asking for money. A listener called in to ask if donating actually makes a difference so close to Election Day and what happens to donations that go unspent after Tuesday. We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions about the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and why fines might not keep Meta from breaking campaign finance laws. Plus, Kai and Kimberly fill us in on what they look for when they’re car (or motorcycle) shopping.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Did Money Win?” from OpenSecrets
- “The 2018 Small Donor Boom Was Drowned Out by Big Donors, Thanks to Citizens United” from the Brennan Center for Justice
- “Republicans Confront Unexpected Online Money Slowdown” from The New York Times
- “Supreme Court overturns law that barred Ted Cruz from fully recouping a personal loan he made to his campaign” from The Texas Tribune
- “Money isn’t leaving politics any time soon” from Marketplace
- “When a political campaign ends, where does all the extra money go?” from CBS News
- Strategic Petroleum Reserve from the Department of Energy
- “What is the Strategic Petroleum Reserve?” from PBS NewsHour
- “Selling the government’s oil stockpile while prices are low seems ridiculous … is it?” from Vox
- “Strategic oil release comes with guaranteed buybacks, but will anyone do the drilling?” from Marketplace
- “Meta fined $24.7M for campaign finance disclosure violations” from AP News

If you’ve got a question about the economy, business or technology, let us know. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Here’s everything we talked about today:

- “Did Money Win?” from OpenSecrets
- “The 2018 Small Donor Boom Was Drowned Out by Big Donors, Thanks to Citizens United” from the Brennan Center for Justice
- “Republicans Confront Unexpected Online Money Slowdown” from The New York Times
- “Supreme Court overturns law that barred Ted Cruz from fully recouping a personal loan he made to his campaign” from The Texas Tribune
- “Money isn’t leaving politics any time soon” from Marketplace
- “When a political campaign ends, where does all the extra money go?” from CBS News
- Strategic Petroleum Reserve from the Department of Energy
- “What is the Strategic Petroleum Reserve?” from PBS NewsHour
- “Selling the government’s oil stockpile while prices are low seems ridiculous … is it?” from Vox
- “Strategic oil release comes with guaranteed buybacks, but will anyone do the drilling?” from Marketplace
- “Meta fined $24.7M for campaign finance disclosure violations” from AP News

If you’ve got a question about the economy, business or technology, let us know. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Spoiler alert: We’re not in a recession. But maybe one is on the way.

That debate reignited last week after the yield curve inverted, again. As we’ve talked about on the show, inverted yield curves can be a warning sign.

“A lot of this is psychological. It’s a lot about what you think is going on, not necessarily what is going on,” said Todd Knoop, professor of economics at Cornell College and author of “Business Cycle Economics: Understanding Recessions and Depressions From Boom to Bust.”

While the National Bureau of Economic Research has the final word on whether we’re in a recession, today we’re asking: If recessions are a regular part of the economy, why are they so hard to predict? Knoop breaks it down. Plus, we dig into the psychology of recessions and why they could become self-fulling prophecies.

In the News Fix, Kai gives a lesson in how to decode the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting. Plus, Kimberly gets an up-close look at the ongoing supply chain crisis.

And for this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question, a listener explains what potty training her kids taught her about creating new habits.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The 8 economists who decide if the U.S. is in a recession” from The Washington Post
“Another Yield Curve Inversion Rings Recession Alarm Bells” from The New York Times
“GDP report shows U.S. economy grew 2.6% in the third quarter, but recession fears loom” from The Washington Post
“Fed Meeting to Focus on Interest Rates’ Coming Path” from The Wall Street Journal
“Mississippi River has dropped to record-low levels amid severe drought” from CNN
“America Is Facing a Dramatic Diesel Shortage That Could Get Even Worse” from Business Insider

Join us for tomorrow for Whaddaya Wanna Know Wednesday. If you have a question you’d like the hosts to answer in a future episode, leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Spoiler alert: We’re not in a recession. But maybe one is on the way.

That debate reignited last week after the yield curve inverted, again. As we’ve talked about on the show, inverted yield curves can be a warning sign.

In the News Fix, Kai gives a lesson in how to decode the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting. Plus, Kimberly gets an up-close look at the ongoing supply chain crisis.

And for this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question, a listener explains what potty training her kids taught her about creating new habits.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The 8 economists who decide if the U.S. is in a recession” from The Washington Post
“Another Yield Curve Inversion Rings Recession Alarm Bells” from The New York Times
“GDP report shows U.S. economy grew 2.6% in the third quarter, but recession fears loom” from The Washington Post
“Fed Meeting to Focus on Interest Rates’ Coming Path” from The Wall Street Journal
“Mississippi River has dropped to record-low levels amid severe drought” from CNN
“America Is Facing a Dramatic Diesel Shortage That Could Get Even Worse” from Business Insider

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The Supreme Court is hearing two cases on affirmative action in higher education. We’ll talk about what it means for race and diversity across society, from college campuses to corporate America. Plus, can haunted houses ease stress and anxiety? And, Kimberly gets in the Halloween spirit by sharing a few jokes and last-minute costume ideas.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Highlights: Supreme Court Hears Affirmative Action Cases From Harvard and U.N.C.” from The New York Times
“Why we like scary things: The science of recreational fear” from The Washington Post
“Haunted houses and scary movies may actually help reduce stress, lower anxiety. Here’s how to have the best experience this Halloween” from CNBC
“Why do St. Louis kids tell jokes on Halloween?” from STL magazine
Tweet from @nick_kapur on mundane Halloween costumes

If you’ve got a question for the hosts or your own answer to the Make Me Smart question, call 508-U-B-SMART and leave us a voicemail. You can email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Highlights: Supreme Court Hears Affirmative Action Cases From Harvard and U.N.C.” from The New York Times
“Why we like scary things: The science of recreational fear” from The Washington Post
“Haunted houses and scary movies may actually help reduce stress, lower anxiety. Here’s how to have the best experience this Halloween” from CNBC
“Why do St. Louis kids tell jokes on Halloween?” from STL magazine
Tweet from @nick_kapur on mundane Halloween costumes

If you’ve got a question for the hosts or your own answer to the Make Me Smart question, call 508-U-B-SMART and leave us a voicemail. You can email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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You can bet in Vegas. At the racetrack. On sports. But what if you could place a bet on the midterm elections? A government commission is weighing a startup’s proposal. We’ll explain. Also, President Joe Biden reacts to Exxon’s record-breaking profits. Plus, a round of Half Full/Half Empty! And, find out what listeners think about political candidates on TikTok.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Biden Chides Exxon CEO Over Investor Payouts as Profits Surge” from Bloomberg
Tweet from @lisaabramowicz1 on Exxon’s earnings
“Political betting: Is it a ‘gambling den’ or ‘better than polls’?” from Politico
“Voting security still depends on low-tech paper trails” from “Marketplace Tech”
“How much ‘art’ can there be in artificial intelligence?” from Marketplace
“Biden targets hidden ‘junk fees’ from banks, cable TV, concert tickets” from Reuters
Tweet from @tonydwagner on this radio host Halloween costume
“Candidates turn to TikTok to woo young voters” from “Marketplace Tech”

If you’ve got a question for the hosts, leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART. You can also send an email to makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Biden Chides Exxon CEO Over Investor Payouts as Profits Surge” from Bloomberg
Tweet from @lisaabramowicz1 on Exxon’s earnings
“Political betting: Is it a ‘gambling den’ or ‘better than polls’?” from Politico
“Voting security still depends on low-tech paper trails” from “Marketplace Tech”
“How much ‘art’ can there be in artificial intelligence?” from Marketplace
“Biden targets hidden ‘junk fees’ from banks, cable TV, concert tickets” from Reuters
Tweet from @tonydwagner on this radio host Halloween costume
“Candidates turn to TikTok to woo young voters” from “Marketplace Tech”

If you’ve got a question for the hosts, leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART. You can also send an email to makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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The International Energy Agency says we’re experiencing the first global energy crisis. But the United Nations says we’re also falling way short of meeting our climate goals and need to do more to reduce our demand for fossil fuels. We’ll talk about a pair of reports and what they mean for the clean energy economy. Plus, will Twitter become a free-for-all hellscape? And guest host Andy Uhler and Kai make a bet.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

World Energy Outlook 2022 – Analysis from the International Energy Agency
UN emissions report: “World falls ‘pitifully short’ of meeting climate goals” from The Washington Post
“Treasury Says Orders for I Bonds With 9.62% Rate Might Not Be Completed by Deadline” from The Wall Street Journal
“Elon Musk Says Twitter Won’t Be ‘Free-for-All Hellscape,’ Addressing Advertisers’ Concerns” from The Wall Street Journal
Tweet from @lizrhoffman on Elon Musk’s Twitter deal
“LAFC vs. Austin FC: How to watch & stream, preview of Western Conference Final” from Major League Soccer
“More than a debut: Angel City FC’s home opener felt like the start of a new NWSL era” from The Athletic

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific/6:30 Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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Here’s everything we talked about today:

World Energy Outlook 2022 – Analysis from the International Energy Agency
UN emissions report: “World falls ‘pitifully short’ of meeting climate goals” from The Washington Post
“Treasury Says Orders for I Bonds With 9.62% Rate Might Not Be Completed by Deadline” from The Wall Street Journal
“Elon Musk Says Twitter Won’t Be ‘Free-for-All Hellscape,’ Addressing Advertisers’ Concerns” from The Wall Street Journal
Tweet from @lizrhoffman on Elon Musk’s Twitter deal
“LAFC vs. Austin FC: How to watch & stream, preview of Western Conference Final” from Major League Soccer
“More than a debut: Angel City FC’s home opener felt like the start of a new NWSL era” from The Athletic

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific/6:30 Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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After last week’s discussion about political advertising, a listener wrote in to ask how candidates get away with putting misleading info or even complete lies on the air. The answer is at the top of the Bill of Rights. We’ll get into it and answer more of your questions about the Kroger-Albertsons merger, “normal” recessions and dollar-slice pizza joints.

Here are links to everything we talked about today:

“Worried about an economic downturn? Here’s what you can expect in a typical recession, according to economists” from CNBC
“Who gets to decide if we are in a recession?” from Marketplace
“How to survive a recession and thrive afterward” from Harvard Business Review
“What a K-shaped recovery means, and how it highlights a nation’s economic inequalities” from Insider
“The truth in political advertising: ‘You’re allowed to lie’” from NPR
“Why Don’t Truth In Advertising Laws Apply To Political Ads?” from WGBH
Check out our morning show’s series on dark money
“Kroger-Albertsons Antitrust Review Likely to Focus on Local Store Overlap” from The Wall Street Journal
“Kroger, Albertsons spin-off is extra ammunition in regulatory battle” from Reuters
“What does it mean to put a security freeze on my credit report?” from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
“How to Freeze Your Credit” from NerdWallet
“A lifelong scam” from Marketplace’s “This Is Uncomfortable”
“The $1 Pizza Slice Becomes Inflation’s Latest Victim” from The New York Times
“Pizza Prices Surpass Subway Fares, Upending Decades of NYC Economics” from Bloomberg

If you’ve got a question about the economy, business or technology, let us know. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Here are links to everything we talked about today:

“Worried about an economic downturn? Here’s what you can expect in a typical recession, according to economists” from CNBC
“Who gets to decide if we are in a recession?” from Marketplace
“How to survive a recession and thrive afterward” from Harvard Business Review
“What a K-shaped recovery means, and how it highlights a nation’s economic inequalities” from Insider
“The truth in political advertising: ‘You’re allowed to lie’” from NPR
“Why Don’t Truth In Advertising Laws Apply To Political Ads?” from WGBH
Check out our morning show’s series on dark money
“Kroger-Albertsons Antitrust Review Likely to Focus on Local Store Overlap” from The Wall Street Journal
“Kroger, Albertsons spin-off is extra ammunition in regulatory battle” from Reuters
“What does it mean to put a security freeze on my credit report?” from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
“How to Freeze Your Credit” from NerdWallet
“A lifelong scam” from Marketplace’s “This Is Uncomfortable”
“The $1 Pizza Slice Becomes Inflation’s Latest Victim” from The New York Times
“Pizza Prices Surpass Subway Fares, Upending Decades of NYC Economics” from Bloomberg

If you’ve got a question about the economy, business or technology, let us know. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Today, we’re bringing you an episode from “How We Survive”, Marketplace’s podcast about solutions to climate change. Hosted by Marketplace senior correspondent (and occasional “Make Me Smart” host) Amy Scott, this season of “How We Survive” is all about how we will (or won’t) adapt to rising waters.

The team headed to Miami, Florida, which is now considered one of the most vulnerable coastal cities in the world. But you’d never know that by looking at the local housing market. Florida’s economy is powered by real estate, and the state has no income tax. Local governments depend on revenue from property taxes, which is a precarious situation to be in when billions of dollars of property is at risk from rising seas and flooding (not to mention hurricanes).

In this episode we’re asking: If Miami is doomed, why isn’t the housing market acting like it?

“How We Survive” Season 2 is out now with new episodes dropping every Wednesday.

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It’s a tough day to be reading the news. We’ll discuss the consequences of Kanye West’s antisemitic hate speech, including racist protests in Los Angeles and reactions from some of his corporate partners. We’ll also talk about a personal connection to today’s school shooting in St. Louis. Then, we’ll try to pivot to a Make Me Smile with a not-so-friendly neighborhood clown and a data dive into bugs on your windshield. And Kimberly reveals an unplanned answer to the Make Me Smart question (what is something you thought you knew and later found out you were wrong about?).

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Kanye West Tests Adidas and His Other Corporate Partners” from The New York Times
Fears of rising antisemitism after banner saying ‘Kanye is right’ is hung over Los Angeles freeway from NBC News
“Teacher and teen student killed in shooting at south St. Louis high school. Suspect dead.” from St. Louis Today
Student describes being in St. Louis school during shooting
An adorably creepy Make Me Smile from listener Miranda A.!
“This woman bakes recipes she finds on gravestone epitaphs: ‘They’re to die for’” from The Washington Post
“Wait, why are there so few dead bugs on my windshield these days?” from The Washington Post

If you’ve got a question for the hosts or your own answer to the Make Me Smart question, call 508-U-B-SMART and leave us a voicemail. You can email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Elon Musk’s business dealings come with some pretty important international implications. And officials in the U.S. are wondering if those deals should be subject to review for national security concerns. We’ll discuss. Plus, a huge research gap in the medical field negatively impacts about half the world. We’ll talk about some of the repercussions of the lack of medical study on the clitoris. And, a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Half the world has a clitoris. Why don’t doctors study it?” from the New York Times
“Twitter tumbles as US weighs security reviews for Musk deals” from Bloomberg
Make Me Smart has an intern opportunity!
“Supply chain snarls finally show signs of easing” from Marketplace
“‘Avogeddon’ hits Philly: Surplus avocados to be given away for free” from WHYY
“Everyone wants to sell your attention” from Axios
“Can your workplace store your fingerprint or facial scan data?” from Marketplace
“Dr Pepper Releases Bourbon-Flavored Soda (That Doesn’t Contain Any Alcohol)” from Food & Wine
“Lizzy Lettuce’s 7 day journey to victory” from the Daily Star

If you’ve got a question for the hosts, leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART. You can also send an email to makemesmart@marketplace.org

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U.S. Rep. Katie Porter is pulling out her famous charts. This time it’s to argue that corporate greed is driving inflation. We’ll explain why this debate isn’t settled. Plus, Liz Truss’ time as the United Kingdom’s prime minister comes to an abrupt end. And, why is lettuce all over our feeds?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Katie Porter pulls out chart at hearing to show corporate greed is the “biggest driver of inflation” from Salon
“Corporate profits have contributed disproportionately to inflation. How should policymakers respond?” from The Economic Policy Institute
“Why are company profits rising despite inflation?” from Marketplace
“How shareholders jumped to first in line for profits” from Marketplace
Listen: “Truss fall” from “Today, Explained”
“Adderall shortage is so bad some patients can’t fill their prescriptions” from The Washington Post
“Americans can now select their sex marker in Social Security records” from CNN
“Daily Star lettuce celebrates victory as Prime Minister Liz Truss resigns” from The Daily Star

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 Pacific time/6:30 Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

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By Election Day, campaigns and PACs will spend an estimated $9.7 billion on ads. One of our listeners wants to know: Does flooding the airwaves even move the needle? Where’s the saturation point? We’ll do our best to answer on this Whaddaya Wanna Know Wednesday. Plus, your questions about student loan forgiveness, the poverty line and regional Halloween traditions.

Here are links to what we talked about today:

“Social Security recipients to get their biggest cost-of-living raise in over 40 years” from Marketplace
“How many people are really facing poverty in the U.S.?” from Marketplace
“Campaigns spend over $6.4 billion on ads for 2022 elections, making race one of the most expensive ever” from CNBC
“Do Political Ads Even Work?” from The New Republic
“In Midterm TV Ad Wars, Sticker Shock Costs Republicans” from The New York Times
“This Ad’s for You (Not Your Neighbor)” from The New York Times
“Federal Student Loan Forgiveness: Your Questions Answered” from U.S. News & World Report
“Halloween Is More Funny Than Scary In St. Louis” from NPR

If you’ve got a question about the economy, business or technology, let us know. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Telemedicine exploded at the start of the pandemic, for all the obvious reasons. Doctor visits went virtual and lots of companies, including Walmart, started going all-in on telehealth.

But usage has slowed and remained flat over the last year as some patients go back to in-person appointments. Some waivers that allowed physicians to practice across state lines have expired too.

So is telehealth at a crossroads?

Not exactly, said Dr. Aditi Joshi, who has been in the telehealth industry for more than a decade and is the chair of the telehealth committee for the American College of Emergency Physicians. She said while there will be some aspects of virtual health care that may go away in the short term, telehealth is still here to stay.

“I see it as just part of our health care in the future. We’re having this conversation about telemedicine, but in 10 years, we’re not going to say this is a telemedicine visit or an in-person visit. It’s just ‘I saw my doctor.’ It’s going to be just a normal part of our everyday care,” she said.

On the show today, Joshi makes us smart on the future of telehealth and why it’ll look less like online banking and more like the hybrid workplace.

In the Newsfix, homebuyers are flocking to … Florida? We’ll continue our ongoing conversation about the state’s housing market in the wake of Hurricane Ian.

Plus, remember The Onion’s SCOTUS brief in defense of parody? The guy who wrote it answers the Make Me Smart question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Telemedicine was made easy during COVID-19. Not any more” from The Associated Press
“Virtual care isn’t as novel as it once was” from Politico
“Home Buyers Flock to Florida Cities Devastated by Hurricane Ian” from The Wall Street Journal
“A tiny Florida beach town is rebuilding after a hurricane. Is it becoming a preserve of the rich?” from The Los Angeles Times
“Trump charged Secret Service ‘exorbitant’ hotel rates, records show” from The Washington Post
“Biden to ask Congress to codify Roe v. Wade abortion rights protections if Democrats keep control” from CNBC
Listen: “Spotlight on virtual mental health care” from “Call to Mind”

There’s still time to submit your questions for Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday. Call 508-U-B-SMART and leave us a voicemail. You can also email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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There’s a lot that determines the cost of housing. And it goes beyond market forces like supply and demand. Kimberly Adams and guest host Janet Nguyen talk about the unexpected ingredients that are playing a role in housing prices and how they affect where people get to live. Plus, now that Fat Bear Week is over, meet the world’s chunkiest parrot!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“ProPublica investigation: Rent Going Up? One Company’s Algorithm Could Be Why.” from ProPublica
“Florida Coastal Living Reshaped by Hurricane Housing Codes” from The Wall Street Journal
“Hair straightening chemicals associated with higher uterine cancer risk” from the National Institutes of Health
“Chemical hair straighteners linked to higher risk of uterine cancer for Black women, study shows” from NBC News
“Fat parrot ineligible for ‘Bird of the Year’ because it keeps winning” from The Washington Post
“‘A Christmas Story Christmas’ Teaser’: Peter Billingsley As Ralphie” from Deadline

If you’ve got a question for the hosts, call 508-U-B-SMART and leave us a voicemail. You can email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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One of the largest supermarket chains in the country wants to eat its competition. Today, Kroger announced a deal to buy Albertsons. Guest host Sabri Ben-Achour talks about what it might mean for your grocery bill and the food delivery industry. Plus, what we know about Germany’s decision to buy natural gas from Russia months before the invasion of Ukraine. And we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Germany Saw No Risk in Russian Gas, Declassified Report Reveals” from Bloomberg
Tweet thread about Sen. Patrick Leahy’s memoir
“How would a Kroger-Albertsons merger change grocery prices?” form Marketplace
“COVID-19 Vaccination Rates And New COVID-19 Boosters” from Kaiser Family Foundation
“Did Mark Zuckerberg’s little dance actually show us real metaverse legs?” from The Verge
“Kodak is Hiring Film Technicians: ‘We Cannot Keep Up with Demand’” from PetaPixle
“Big Tech employees are TikToking on the job — and their bosses don’t always like it” from The Verge
“Netflix launching ad-supported tier in U.S. on Nov 3 for $6.99” from Axios

If you’ve got a question for the hosts, leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART. You can also send an email to makemesmart@marketplace.org

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Despite the latest inflation numbers, the stock market had a great day today. We even got to play the happy, jazzy music on “Marketplace.” But that doesn’t mean we’re out of bear market territory. We’ll explain. Plus, guest host Samantha Fields talks about the big changes to a popular student loan program. (No, not President Biden’s student debt relief.) And, tastier beer?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Dow closes 800 points higher after a historic one-day turnaround” from CNBC
“Bank of England Insists Bond Buying Will End Friday” from The Wall Street Journal
“Social Security recipients to get their biggest cost-of-living raise in over 40 years” from Marketplace
“Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Has Changed Temporarily. Here’s What It Means For Borrowers” from the U.S. Government Accountability Office
Public Service Loan Forgiveness from the Institute of Student Loan Advisors
“Scientists Just Figured Out a Way to Make Beer Taste Even Better” from Science Alert
“I tried Be My Eyes, the popular app that pairs blind people with helpers” from The Guardian

If you’ve got a question for the hosts, call us and leave us a voicemail. Our number is 508-U-B-SMART. You can also send an email to makemesmart@marketplace.org

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Galveston, Texas, was all but wiped out when a Category 4 storm hit the port city in 1900. Thousands died, surviving residents fled and Houston became the economic center of the region. One of our listeners wants to know: Could that be the future of other coastal cities? We’ll talk about it on this Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday. Plus: What are i bonds, and where’d the arugula go?

“What are i bonds and should you invest in them?” from Marketplace
“Grocery Store Shortages Are Back. Here’s Why.” from Eater
“‘There’s just not enough water’: California drought hits grocery stores” from Axios
“What’s With the Surge in Mortgage Rates?” from NerdWallet
“The Tempest At Galveston: ‘We Knew There Was A Storm Coming, But We Had No Idea’” from NPR
“Introducing ‘How We Survive Season 2: Saving Miami’” from Marketplace

If you’ve got a question about the economy, business or technology, let us know. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Credit scores matter — a lot. They matter if you want to buy a car, a house and sometimes even if you want a job.

In a recent deep dive, we covered the history of credit scores, how they work and whether it’s time to rethink how we measure creditworthiness. But Kimberly still had questions.

So she and the “Marketplace Tech” team took an even closer look. Today, we’re bringing you an excerpt from their series “The Score.” Get ready to get smart (and take notes) on what the algorithms behind your credit scores get wrong, the difference between your FICO and your VantageScore and what happened when a financial planner tried to trick the system to boost her score.

If you have a question about credit scores or anything else, leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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For years, we’ve been asking experts, celebrities, authors and you our Make Me Smart question: What’s something you thought you knew but later found out you were wrong about?

From the power of poetry to the problem with perfectionism, we’ve heard lots of smart answers, and today we’re going to listen to some of the most memorable ones. Plus, Kai Ryssdal and Kimberly Adams share their top picks from two celebrity guests.

What’s something you’ve been wrong about? Leave us a voice message at 508-827-6278 or 508-U-B-SMART.

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While the backlog of ships at West Coast ports has mostly cleared, there’s a new log jam along the Mississippi River. We’ll talk about the effects it could have on our supply chain, food prices and inflation. Then, a look at the history behind the Supreme Court’s group photos. Plus, the hosts weigh in on Kim Kardashian getting a crypto fine, Black Friday and extra large skeleton Halloween decorations during a round of Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Low Water Levels on Mississippi River Threatens Shipments” from AgWeb
“Barges grounded by low water halt Mississippi River traffic” from The Associated Press
“Mississippi River Drought: Barge Backup Stalls Millions of Tons of Cargo” from Bloomberg
“The History and Power of the Supreme Court Portrait” from The New York Times
“The CHIPS Act could relieve some semiconductor chokepoints — but how quickly?” from “Marketplace Tech”
“What message is the SEC sending about celebrity crypto endorsements with Kim Kardashian fine?” from “Marketplace Morning Report”
“Raising the curtain on ‘productivity theater'” from “Marketplace”
“How a 12-foot skeleton became the hottest Halloween decoration around” from CNN

If you have questions about the economy, business or technology you want answered on Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday, leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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What do oil and gas companies have to do with reproductive health care? Some of them are funneling donations to “pregnancy resource centers” that discourage abortion in exchange for a break on the energy producers’ taxes. Kimberly and guest host Janet Nguyen dig into an analysis from the Gulf States Newsroom. We’ll also talk about President Biden overhauling the country’s policy on marijuana. Plus, Fat Bear Week is here. And an Oregon Trail musical?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Biden overhauls U.S. policy on marijuana, pardons prior federal offenses” from Reuters
“Mississippi’s latest move in its anti-abortion agenda? A tax break for corporate donations” from WWNO
“CEO pay has skyrocketed 1,460% since 1978: CEOs were paid 399 times as much as a typical worker in 2021” from the Economic Policy Institute
Oregon Trail musical in the works from Variety
Fat Bear Week — Katmai National Park & Preserve from the National Park Service

If you’ve got a question about the economy, business or technology, let us know. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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We’re a nation of student loan debtors. Wiping out up to $20,000 of that debt should boost each borrower’s score, right? On this Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday, we have to let one listener down easy. Plus, Kai Ryssdal and Kimberly Adams answer more of your questions on the peso, the pandemic and pumpkin pie.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Check out Kimberly’s interview with Ethan Dornhelm, who leads research and analytic development for FICO.
“Here’s how up to $20,000 in student loan forgiveness could affect your credit score and ability to borrow” from CNBC
The current dollar/peso exchange rate
“Mexico’s ‘Super Peso’ Shocks Traders Who Had Bet on Wipeout” from Bloomberg
“Shifting supply chains settle on Mexico” from Marketplace
This great thread from Alexandra Phelan on how pandemics end
“Why COVID isn’t like the flu (yet) in one brutal graph” from Fortune
“End of COVID pandemic is ‘in sight’ – WHO chief” from Reuters

If you’ve got a question about the economy, business or technology, let us know. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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This is the third week of protests in Iran. Dozens have died and hundreds have been arrested in the demonstrations following the death of a young Iranian woman in police custody. And now the outrage seems to be spreading and tapping into a deep well of grievances.

“This is really anger at the entire system for its 43 years of corruption and abuse of power,” said Jason Rezaian, opinion columnist for the Washington Post and author of “Prisoner: My 544 Days in an Iranian Prison.”

On the show today, Rezaian explains what’s driving the latest protest movement in Iran, the role of the United States and what may come next.

In the News Fix, the Supreme Court started a new term this week and it’s expected to be a doozy. We’ll explain. Plus, get ready for the return of Donald Trump on Twitter.

Then, the gif vs. jif debate continues. And, in case you didn’t know, the climate crisis is so bad that the city of Los Angeles hired a chief heat officer. Hear her answer to the Make Me Smart question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Opinion | To help the next Iran protests, the U.S. should change these policies” from The Washington Post
“Iran Protests Underline Economic, Social Pain” from Bloomberg
“Musk Proposes to Buy Twitter for Original Price of $54.20 a Share” from Bloomberg
“Three Huge Supreme Court Cases That Could Change America” from The New York Times
“Watch world’s first all-electric plane soar through test flight” from CNN
“Los Angeles Becomes Latest City to Hire ‘Chief Heat Officer’” from Smithsonian Magazine

Join us tomorrow for Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday. If you’ve got a question you’d like us to answer, leave us a message at 508-U-B-SMART or makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Climate change is making storms stronger and more destructive. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, some are wondering whether investing in rebuilding is really worth it. We’ll discuss. Plus, why the drama over Credit Suisse is not a Lehman Brothers moment. And, the parody news site The Onion filed an amicus brief, and it’s truly a chef’s kiss!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Should we rebuild in hurricane-prone areas?” from Poynter
“Surviving Hurricane Ian in a Fort Myers Apartment Complex” from The New Yorker
“Pakistanis save their town from floodwaters by building an embankment” from NPR
“Credit Suisse Whipsaws as CEO Memo Backfires, Analysts Back Bank” from Bloomberg
Tweet from @AnthonyMKreis on The Onion’s amicus brief
Read: The Onion’s brief about satire

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After seven years in the host’s chair, Trevor Noah is leaving “The Daily Show” to do more stand-up and touring. We’ll talk about the evolution of the late-night TV business. Plus, a case before the Supreme Court could determine what’s considered the “waters of the U.S.” And, we play a round of Half Full/Half Empty with a surprise guest emcee!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Trevor Noah is leaving ‘The Daily Show’” from CNN
New HHS Reports Illustrate Potential Positive Impact of Inflation Reduction Act on Prescription Drug Prices from the Department of Health and Human Services
“Supreme Court to hear case on EPA’s Clean Water Act authority” from Roll Call
Tweet thread from @JasonLeopold on an off-the-record conversation between then-President Barack Obama and reporters about incoming President Donald Trump

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Hurricane Ian left behind vast destruction in Florida. But what’s actually making the situation worse is the state’s insurance crisis. We’ll explain. Plus, some people who thought their student loans would be forgiven are learning they won’t eligible for President Biden’s relief program after all. And, if you like Fat Bear Week, you’ll love Fat Bear Junior.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Hurricane Ian’s damage in Florida is part of a larger crisis from MSNBC
“In a reversal, the Education Dept. is excluding many from student loan relief” from NPR
Tweet from @LizAnnSonders of Schwab on the rising cost of the monthly house payment
“After 14 years, Lehman Brothers’ brokerage ends liquidation” from Yahoo
“Meet the Bears of Fat Bear Junior” from Explore.org

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The United Kingdom’s economy is hurting. But the plan to get it under control — cutting taxes and raising interest rates — is a bit of a head scratcher. We’ll explain why we can’t make this one make sense (well, I guess we can, but the answer is not great). Plus, guest host Reema Khrais answers questions about boycotts and the multilevel marketing world.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Q&A: Here’s when boycotts have worked — and when they haven’t” from the Los Angeles Times
“1 in 4 Americans Are Currently Boycotting a Product or Company” from LendingTree
Meet the 400 Ph.D. economists who work at the Federal Reserve
Listen: “This Is Uncomfortable” episode on multilevel marketing
“How the Pandemic Stoked a Backlash to Multilevel Marketing” from The Atlantic

If you’ve got a question about the economy, business or technology, let us know. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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By now, you’ve probably heard about the racist backlash against the live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid,” the GOT prequel “House of the Dragon” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” for casting Black actors. But hobbits and dragon riders aside, this is a story about so much more than casting decisions.

“We’re really talking about labor … who gets work gets to work in the entertainment industry. Who gets work as an actor. Who gets work as a director, as a producer,” said Adam Serwer, staff writer at The Atlantic. “And if you’re trying to push companies to be less diverse, in part, what you’re saying is you should not hire Black people, Hispanic people to do these jobs.”

On the show today, Serwer discusses the pressure media companies are under to conform to conservative politics, how it impacts the industry and what it says about this political moment.

In the Newsfix, more from the files of “this is what’s supposed to be happening.” This time, we’ll check in on the housing market and what high mortgage rates are doing to home prices. Then, women everywhere are feeling validated after a new study on COVID-19 vaccines and menstrual periods confirmed what many suspected.

Plus, Kai Ryssdal describes what it was like at Dodger Stadium when Albert Pujols made history with his 700th home run. Also, one writer explains what he got wrong about writing.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Fear of a Black Hobbit” from The Atlantic
“‘Rings of Power’ draws racist backlash and threats, but Amazon and Frodo stand behind it” from USA Today
Check out this Rolling Stones article about legacy of Public Enemy’s “Fear of a Black Planet” album
“Home prices cooled in July at the fastest rate in the history of S&P Case-Shiller Index” from CNBC
“Women said covid shots affect periods. A new study shows they’re right.” from The Washington Post
“Germany Suspects Sabotage Hit Russia’s Nord Stream Pipelines” from Bloomberg
“Cardinals’ Albert Pujols hits 700th home run, becoming 4th player to reach the mark” from NPR

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More seniors are aging at home, alone. Today, we’ll explain why the home care worker shortage just went from bad to worse and why we likely blew a chance to fix it. Then, how a 100-year-old law is getting in the way of Puerto Rico recovering from Hurricane Fiona. Plus, spooky airplane sounds. And what’s that really bright star in the sky? Grab your binoculars. You won’t want to miss this!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Seniors are stuck home alone as health aides flee for higher-paying jobs” from The Washington Post
“Storm-ravaged Puerto Rico calls on Washington to allow ship carrying fuel to dock” from NBC News
“Women now outnumber men in the U.S. college-educated labor force” from Pew Research Center
“People are fleeing Puerto Rico, Guam and every other U.S. territory. What gives?” from The Washington Post
“Ghoulish moans are haunting the intercoms of American Airlines flights” from The Washington Post
“Jupiter’s Exceptionally Close Opposition” from Sky & Telescope
This tweet about the National Intelligence Manager for Aviation seal caught our attention
Video: “DART’s Impact with Asteroid Dimorphos”

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Central banks all over the world are on a interest-raising spree. We’ll explain why that raises the risk of a recession. Buckle up, folks! Plus, how a volcano eruption led to the discovery of a new island in the Pacific Ocean. And Kimberly Adams gives us a lesson in pawpaw fruit harvesting!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“A New Baby Island Has Just Been Born In The Pacific Ocean” from IFL Science
“New 6-Acre Island in Pacific Ocean Has Been Seen From Space” from Newsweek
Video: Disney Music “Lava” (Official Lyric Video from “Lava”)
Tweet from economist @Neil_Irwin
“Move Over, Açai—It’s the Pawpaw’s Time” from The New Yorker

Got a question for a our hosts? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Today we’re getting caught up on Russia’s war in Ukraine. Putin’s announced he’ll draft 300,000 Russian reservists to fight in that conflict. Is this the moment we look back on as the moment he overreached? Then, the Food and Drug Administration issued new guidance on some drugs used to reverse opioid overdoses that would make the life-saving drugs more accessible. Also, we got an update from listeners about our SodaStream/beer query!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“‘A Lot of Panic’: Russian Men, Fearing Ukraine Draft, Seek Refuge Abroad” from The New York Times
“Putin’s Order for 300,000 Fighters Drives Russians to the Streets in Protest” from Bloomberg
“Opioid-Reversal Drug Access to Ease Under Relaxed FDA Rules” from Bloomberg Law
Tweet from our listeners @ToddAlstrom and @ClsScience

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The Federal Reserve continued its interest-rate-raising spree today to help curb inflation. The other thing the Fed has been working on is unwinding its “quantitative easing” program. One listener wants to know how that works. We’ll explain. Plus, why can members of Congress buy and sell stocks so freely? Isn’t that a conflict of interest? We’re wondering the same thing.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“To understand the Fed’s bond-buying dilemma, picture a lake” from “Marketplace”
“Despite their influence and extensive access to information, members of Congress can buy and sell stocks with few restrictions” from The New York Times
“72 members of Congress have violated a law designed to prevent insider trading and stop conflicts-of-interest” from Business Insider
“Democrats Eye a Major Shift in How Corporations Are Taxed” from The New York Times
“Why the U.S. is struggling to modernize the electric grid” from CNBC

Keep sending your questions. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice memo at 508-U-B-SMART.

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For years, China has been forecast to overtake the U.S. as the world’s top economic superpower. But recently, the second-largest economy has been slowing under its zero-COVID policy. There’s also problems in its housing market, and its currency, the yuan, is falling.

On the show, Jennifer Pak, Marketplace’s China correspondent, makes us smart about China’s standing in the global economy and whether it’s still on track to topple the U.S. from the top spot.

In the News Fix: Supply chain problems aren’t over, and neither is the pandemic. Plus, Hurricane Fiona is still on a tear.

Then, are Make Me Smart listeners trolling the hosts? We’ll also hear about a potential solution to the beer shortage. Fizzless beer, anyone? We’re calling on all cicerones out there!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“China’s Economy Won’t Overtake the U.S., Some Now Predict” from The Wall Street Journal
Marketplace’s Jennifer Pak is a must-follow on IG and Twitter.
“Ford Selloff Deepens After Warning of $1 Billion in Extra Costs” from Bloomberg
“Hurricane Fiona slams Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico; three dead” from Reuters
“What’s Driving Greg Abbott’s Escalating Migrant Busing Scheme?” from Texas Monthly
“Texas Sheriff Launches Investigation Into Migrant Flights to Martha’s Vineyard” from NBC Dallas-Fort Worth
“The United States of Cussing: Every U.S. State’s Favorite Swear Word” from WordTips

Join us tomorrow for Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday. Submit your question about money, business or the economy at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice mail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Almost five years after Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico is reeling (again) after Hurricane Fiona flooded large parts of the island and left it in the dark. We’ll talk about the big mess behind Puerto Rico’s energy problems. Plus, John Kerry: People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. And, is a beer shortage on the horizon?

Here’s everything we talked about:

Puerto Rico’s Power System Heads Toward Litigation for Debt Deal from Bloomberg
“Hurricane Fiona Exposes Puerto Rico’s Failure to Fix Frail Power Grid” from Bloomberg
“Here’s How Much a New Monthly Mortgage Payment Has Surged in 10 US Metros” from Bloomberg
“U.S. climate envoy Kerry calls on African nations to help curb emissions” from Reuters
“Scientists have calculated how many ants are on Earth. The number is so big, it’s ‘unimaginable.’” from The Washington Post
“Brace for the coming beer shortage” from Axios

If you’ve got a question, comment or suggestion, let us know. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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It’s Friday, and we all wish we could be Ferris Bueller. Well, one reporter actually tried. Kimberly Adams and guest host Amy Scott discuss what happened when said reporter skipped work for a day of fun. Plus, could this be “Phantom of the Opera’s” last hoorah on Broadway? Then, our favorite game stumps the hosts (oops).

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Could ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ really be done? We found out.” from The Washington Post
“‘Phantom of the Opera’ to close after 35 years on Broadway: sources” from the New York Post
“‘Phantom of the Opera,’ Broadway’s Longest-Running Show, to Close” from The New York Times
“Apple and Starlink compete to turn your smartphone into a satellite phone” from Marketplace
“California’s grid withstood the heat wave with texts, batteries and conservation” from Marketplace
“Kourtney Kardashian Should Call Patagonia’s CEO” from The Cut
“For Gen Z, TikTok Is the New Search Engine” from The New York Times

Got a question for a our hosts? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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A couple of Republican governors are paying to send migrants to Democratic strongholds, including Washington, D.C. and Martha’s Vineyard. We’ll talk about the history of using people to make political statements. Plus, Patagonia’s founder gave away his company, but the deal might not be what you’re thinking. And, congrats, Lizzo!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Fla. Gov. DeSantis sent migrant flights to Massachusetts, his office says” from NPR
Tweet thread from the JFK Library
“Patagonia Founder Gives Away the Company to Fight Climate Change” from The New York Times
“The bill to make daylight saving time permanent that unanimously passed the Senate is not moving in the House anytime soon.” from Politico
“Lizzo’s ‘Big Grrrls’ Wins Competition Series Emmy” from Variety
IYKYK: National Press Club wins spelling bee contest against politicians

Grab a beverage and join us Friday for Economics on Tap. We’ll be on the YouTube livestream starting at 6:30 Eastern time/3:30 Pacific. We’ll have more news, drinks and a game.

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Inflation is still high (sigh), which means the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates again next week. One listener is wondering why the Fed has pursued incremental rate hikes as opposed to one jumbo increase. We’ve got answers! Plus, why is the Fed’s inflation target 2% anyway, and what does it have to do with New Zealand? Then, questions about the queen, the Commonwealth and currency!

Here’s everything we talked about:

“Why does the Federal Reserve aim for inflation of 2 percent over the longer run?” from The Federal Reserve
“Of Kiwis and Currencies: How a 2% Inflation Target Became Global Economic Gospel” from The New York Times
“The Fed’s inflation target comes from a casual remark on New Zealand TV” from Quartz
“The queen’s death opens the floodgates on self-rule campaigns” from Politico
“Queen Elizabeth is featured on several currencies. Now what?” from The Associated Press

Keep sending your questions. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice memo at 508-U-B-SMART.

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High(er) interest rates are here and probably not going anywhere anytime soon. Today’s inflation numbers almost guarantee that the Federal Reserve will raise rates again by another three-quarters of a percentage point.

But it’s been such a long time since the U.S. economy has been in a high-interest-rate environment that many of us are wondering exactly how to navigate our personal finances.

On the show today, we’ll discuss what high interest rates mean for consumers and why they aren’t translating into higher savings rates. As always, consult your own personal finance expert before making financial decisions.

Later, we’ll talk about the latest inflation report and whether child poverty really is getting better. We’ll do the numbers.

Then, stick around to hear what artificial intelligence has to do with French fries, and a philosopher drops some wisdom on us.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“How to take advantage of rising interest rates” from CNN
“Money and millennials: The cost of living in 2022 vs. 1972” from Marketplace
Pandemic Aid Reduced Poverty Again in 2021, Census Bureau Reports from The New York Times
“The official U.S. poverty rate is based on a hopelessly out-of-date metric” from The New York Times
“US inflation still stubbornly high despite August slowdown” from The Associated Press

Join us tomorrow for Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday. And if you’ve got a question about money, business or the economy, leave us a voice mail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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COVID-19 has been circulating for well over two years, and new research looks at what the disease has meant for the workforce. Kimberly and guest host Amy Scott dig into it. Plus, who’s in charge of investigating a crash in space? Then, is it too early to start talking about leaf peeping and Halloween? Welp, we’re going to do it anyway.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Covid-19 Illnesses Are Keeping at Least 500,000 Workers Out of U.S. Labor Force, Study Says” from The Wall Street Journal
Our deep dive episode on long COVID
A thread from The Atlantic’s Ed Yong on brain fog
“Blue Origin rocket suffers problem during uncrewed launch” from The Washington Post
“Embrace ‘Shop Early’ and Cancel ‘Black Friday’” from Bloomberg
2022 Fall Foliage Map & Nationwide Peak Leaf Forecast

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? We’re taking them all. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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We pick up today’s show where we left off yesterday, talking about global reaction to the death of Queen Elizabeth. Plus, we’ll discuss the role of social media in driving counternarratives to stories from mainstream media organizations. Then, we play a round of Half Full/Half Empty. And, corgis FTW!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Thank You, Black Twitter”: State Violence, Digital Counterpublics, and Pedagogies of Resistance” from Temple University’s Marc Lamont Hill
“Meta dissolves team responsible for discovering ‘potential harms to society’ in its own products” from Engadget
“County official will be held without bail in reporter’s killing, judge rules” from Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Former Colonies of Elizabeth II Want Their $400 Million Diamond Back From the Crown Jewels” from Vice

If you’ve got a question about money, business and the economy, give us a shout. We’re at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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From the death of Queen Elizabeth to lifesaving vaccines, we’re mostly talking about news from the other side of the pond today. Plus, we’ll discuss the economic power of royal fashion, and what’s Jerome Powell thinking? Kai’s got answers!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Opinion | “Mourn the Queen, Not Her Empire” from The New York Times
“Dark Truths About Britain’s Imperial Past” from The New York Times
Tweet thread on the complex legacy of the British royal family
“The economic power of royal fashion” from Marketplace
“New malaria vaccine is world-changing, say scientists” from BBC News
“Jumbo Fed Rate Hike Is in Play as Powell Sticks to Hawkish View” from Bloomberg

We want to hear how you’re feeling about the death of Queen Elizabeth. Leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART or drop us a line at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Let’s face it, it’s getting more expensive to eat out these days. One of our listeners noticed the price of his burrito went up by $2 and wonders if it’ll go back down now that inflation is a slowing a bit. Probably not. We’ll explain. Plus, we take your questions about student loan debt relief, electric vehicles and the military, and one of our listeners makes us smart about cherries!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Inflation is finally slowing down. Will things get cheaper?” from Vox
“Why Biden’s $10,000 student loan relief will impact women the most” from MSNBC
“US military is a bigger polluter than as many as 140 countries — shrinking this war machine is a must” from The Conversation
“The U.S. Army has released its first-ever climate strategy. Here’s what that means.” from The Washington Post
“Category on the Rise: Non-Alcoholic Wine, Beer, and Spirits” from Drizly

We can’t make this show without you! Keep submitting your questions at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Artificial intelligence. It’s a phrase that gets thrown around a lot. But what are we really talking about?

“Artificial intelligence is not one thing. It’s not a single technology. It’s a term that is applied to all sorts of technologies that vaguely behave like the human brain, and in some cases, aren’t even close to behaving like the human brain,” said Cade Metz, a technology correspondent covering artificial intelligence at The New York Times and author of the book “Genius Makers: the Mavericks Who Brought AI to Google, Facebook and the World.”

When the artificial intelligence field was created in the 1950s, the aim was to mimic human intelligence. Today, some researchers believe we’re already there or really close. But the thing is, there’s still lots about human intelligence we don’t understand.

On the show today, we’re going to get smart about the state of AI as Metz walks us through how far AI has come, where it’s at, where it’s headed and what it has to do with cat photos!

In the News Fix, Russia is saying the quiet part out loud, and an important marker in the ongoing aftermath of Jan. 6 insurrection.

Then, we’ll hear from a new mom about quiet quitting, and what happened after one listener switched Siri’s voice to the one that sounds like Kimberly. Plus, a TikTok finance wiz answers the Make Me Smart question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“A.I. Is Not Sentient. Why Do People Say It Is?” from The New York Times
“The ABCs of AI, algorithms and machine learning” from “Marketplace Tech”
“More Than 1 In 2 Americans Will Have An Election Denier On The Ballot This Fall” from FiveThirtyEight
“Russia has cut off gas supplies to Europe indefinitely. Here’s what you need to know” from CNBC
“Couy Griffin: New Mexico county commissioner removed from elected office for role in US Capitol riot” from CNN

Join us tomorrow for Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday. If you’ve got a question you’d like us to answer, email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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There’s another problem to add to the list of issues piling up in the UK right now: The pound sterling took a dive. We’ll discuss the economic situation there and how it compares to what’s happening on this side of the pond. Plus, could Alaska’s voting system help our polarized politics? Then, we play a round of Half Full/Half Empty.

Here is everything we talked about:

Pound Latest: Sterling Collapse to $1.15 Shows Level of Market Despair from Bloomberg
“With Peltola’s Defeat of Palin, Alaska’s Ranked-Choice Voting Has a Moment” from The New York Times
“Among the goals of Artemis I: launching the lunar economy” from “Marketplace Tech”
“Now, software can replicate your boss’s voice and tell you what to do” from “Marketplace Tech”
“Californians Told Not to Charge Electric Cars Days After Gas Car Sales Ban” from Newsweek
“Perseverance can make as much oxygen on Mars as a small tree” from CNN
“Why is modern interior design so gray?” from Marketplace
“Barking 9 to 5! Dolly Parton launches ‘Doggy Parton,’ a pet apparel collection” from NPR

We can’t make this show without you. If you’ve got a question, comment or suggestion, email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Here is everything we talked about:

Pound Latest: Sterling Collapse to $1.15 Shows Level of Market Despair from Bloomberg
“With Peltola’s Defeat of Palin, Alaska’s Ranked-Choice Voting Has a Moment” from The New York Times
“Among the goals of Artemis I: launching the lunar economy” from “Marketplace Tech”
“Now, software can replicate your boss’s voice and tell you what to do” from “Marketplace Tech”
“Californians Told Not to Charge Electric Cars Days After Gas Car Sales Ban” from Newsweek
“Perseverance can make as much oxygen on Mars as a small tree” from CNN
“Why is modern interior design so gray?” from Marketplace
“Barking 9 to 5! Dolly Parton launches ‘Doggy Parton,’ a pet apparel collection” from NPR

We can’t make this show without you. If you’ve got a question, comment or suggestion, email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Hit the dark place sting, we’re discussing some news stories that got our shells feeling a little hollow. First, residents of Jackson, Mississippi, have no clean water. Though help may be finally on the way, we still have questions. Also, a new survey shows just how devastating the pandemic was for students in the classroom. But we’ve at least got a Make Me Smile, thanks to a listener email on the physics of dragons. Get ready to laugh cry.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The Pandemic Erased Two Decades of Progress in Math and Reading” from The New York Times
“Who Would Like to Explain to the Class WHY Jackson, Miss., Has No Water?” from Esquire
“Water pump installed at O.B. Curtis Water Plant helping water pressure in Jackson” from Clarion Ledger
“Tech tool offers police ‘mass surveillance on a budget’” from Associated Press

If you want to send us your delightful voice memos and emails, you can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The Pandemic Erased Two Decades of Progress in Math and Reading” from The New York Times
“Who Would Like to Explain to the Class WHY Jackson, Miss., Has No Water?” from Esquire
“Water pump installed at O.B. Curtis Water Plant helping water pressure in Jackson” from Clarion Ledger
“Tech tool offers police ‘mass surveillance on a budget’” from Associated Press

If you want to send us your delightful voice memos and emails, you can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Student loan relief is here. But (and this is so awkward), so is inflation, still. One of our listeners wants to know whether the government’s plan to forgive up to $20,000 in student loan debt will make inflation worse. Plus, we’ll take your questions on electric cars, credit scores and LeVar Burton!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Will student loan forgiveness make inflation worse?” from Vox
“Without a Gas Tax, How Will EVs Be Charged for Road Use?” from Consumer Reports
“The secret history of ‘Y’all’: The murky origins of a legendary Southern slang word” from Salon
The “Make Me Smart” episode on our credit rating system
“The Score” from “Marketplace Tech”
“The new tech behind LeVar Burton’s crusade for child literacy” from “Marketplace Tech”

If you’ve got a question you’d like us to find the answer to, email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Will student loan forgiveness make inflation worse?” from Vox
“Without a Gas Tax, How Will EVs Be Charged for Road Use?” from Consumer Reports
“The secret history of ‘Y’all’: The murky origins of a legendary Southern slang word” from Salon
The “Make Me Smart” episode on our credit rating system
“The Score” from “Marketplace Tech”
“The new tech behind LeVar Burton’s crusade for child literacy” from “Marketplace Tech”

If you’ve got a question you’d like us to find the answer to, email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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American workers are becoming less productive, which means we’re producing fewer widgets per hour worked. The data shows there’s been drops in productivity for two back-to-back quarters. But the recent slowdown isn’t anything new. While productivity did spike momentarily last year, it’s actually been slowing for more than a decade.

On the show today, we get smart about the productivity slowdown, how the “quiet quitting” phenomenon factors into this trend and what it all means for our economy.

Later, the Federal Reserve is manifesting lower inflation, and the markets are finally getting with the program. A birth control pill for men is in the works, plus could our electric car future mean range anxiety for gas car drivers? And, an answer to the Make Me Smart question that got us all a bit misty-eyed.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Why Isn’t New Technology Making Us More Productive?” from The New York Times
“U.S. Productivity Falls for Second Straight Quarter” from The Wall Street Journal
“Watch Fed’s Kashkari: ‘Happy’ to See How Powell’s Speech Was Received” from Bloomberg
“Male Contraception Pills Show Promise – And They Have No Major Side Effects” from SciTech Daily
“The Latest on Male Birth Control Options” from Men’s Health

What is something you thought you knew, but later found out you were wrong about? We’re looking for your answers to the Make Me Smart question. Submit yours at makemesmart@marketplace.org, or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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This isn’t your usual “Make Me Smart” episode. From the delayed Artemis space shuttle launch to the decline of crab populations and the weight of dragon eggs, we’re going down a big rabbit hole or, shall we say, into the dragon’s den. Get ready to get smart about the news you probably didn’t hear anywhere else.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“These recycled space shuttle parts are now powering Artemis I to space” from Tampa’s Fox 13
“‘At the Top Level’: Serena Williams Sets Her Sights on Venture Capital After US Open” from Bloomberg
“Pakistan floods: One third of country is under water – minister” from BBC News
Alaskan king and snow crab populations have plummeted from The Washington Post
“‘They said it was impossible’: how medieval carpenters are rebuilding Notre Dame” from The Guardian
“Is it safe to toss a Targaryen dragon egg? An eggspert weighs in.” from Vox

We love hearing from you. Write us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Today, we’re going to get smart about two legal fights with big implications. First, we get into the weeds of the Mar-a-Lago affidavit. Then, we move to the world of pharmaceuticals, where a lawsuit could determine who owns the future of mRNA technology. And finally, we lighten up the mood with a round of our favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Trump Mar–a-Lago affidavit reveals ‘handwritten notes,’ highly classified material led to warrant request” from Politico
“Moderna files patent infringement lawsuits against Pfizer and BioNTech over mRNA Covid-19 vaccines” from CNN
“Moderna Sues Pfizer and BioNTech Over Covid Vaccine Technology” from The New York Times
“Potential ‘Ocean World’ Discovered 100 Light-Years Away From Earth” from CNET
“For this firm, the 4-day workweek just didn’t work” from Marketplace
“MoviePass is coming back. Its timing couldn’t be worse” from CNN

We love hearing from you. If you’ve got a question, comment or suggestion, send us a voice memo at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Picture this: In the not-too-distant future, gas cars will be a thing of the past. This week, California moved to ban sales of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035. We’ll discuss what it means for our clean-er economic future. Plus, big ups to the person running the White House Twitter account. And, if you paid a fee for being tardy on your taxes, the IRS might be sending you a check.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“California bans sales of new gas-powered cars by 2035. Now the real work begins” from The Los Angeles Times
Tweet thread on the hip-hop industry powering Cash App
“Japan Set to Become One of World’s Biggest Defense Spenders” from Bloomberg
White House claps back at Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, others over canceling student loan debt
“These Stones Graced the Capitol. They May Soon Be Removed From a Park.” from The New York Times
“IRS to refund a ‘very welcome’ $1.2 billion in late-filing fees for nearly 1.6 million taxpayers” from CNBC
Opinion | Inside the IRS ‘Pipeline’ used to process tax returns from The Washington Post

Grab a beverage and join us Friday for Economics on Tap. We’ll be on the YouTube livestream starting at 6:30 ET/3:30 PT. We’ll have more news, drinks and a game.

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It’s happening! After months of debate, President Joe Biden is forgiving up to $20,000 in student loan debt. One listener wants to know whether the bankruptcy system can offer an alternative solution to the student loan debt crisis. We’ll help break it down. Plus, more of your questions about how congressional staffers get paid, congestion at our ports and hard seltzer.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Top economist Larry Summers echoes Sen. Elizabeth Warren about solving student debt problem from Fortune
“Should student loans be dischargeable in bankruptcy?” from the Brookings Institution
“Peak freight season is underway there’s no end in sight for congestion” from CNBC
“House votes to allow congressional staffers to unionize” from NPR
“Hard Seltzer Fad Fizzles as Light Beer Makes a Comeback” from The Wall Street Journal
White Claw and Truly Hard seltzer, explained from Vox

Have more questions for our hosts? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org, or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Here’s everything we talked about today:

Top economist Larry Summers echoes Sen. Elizabeth Warren about solving student debt problem from Fortune
“Should student loans be dischargeable in bankruptcy?” from the Brookings Institution
“Peak freight season is underway there’s no end in sight for congestion” from CNBC
“House votes to allow congressional staffers to unionize” from NPR
“Hard Seltzer Fad Fizzles as Light Beer Makes a Comeback” from The Wall Street Journal
White Claw and Truly Hard seltzer, explained from Vox

Have more questions for our hosts? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org, or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Have you heard of Leonardo Leo?

He’s basically a kingmaker in conservative big money politics, and he’s making it rain! His dark money group just received $1.6 billion, what’s believed to be the largest single donation to a political nonprofit, and it’s expected to have an immediate impact on the November midterms.

On the show today, Sheila Krumholz, executive director at Open Secrets, discusses what voters need to know about money in politics before they head to the polls. She explains how political contributions have evolved and why the system is not expected to change anytime soon.

In the News Fix, we’ll talk about the ripple effects of the war in Ukraine and what it has to do with how much it might cost to warm your home this winter. Plus, what’s up with all the pearl clutching over “quiet quitters?”

Then we hear a listener’s hack that’ll save you money in the kitchen. And actor and TV host LeVar Burton (we’re fangirling right now) answers the Make Me Smart question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Republicans Confront Unexpected Online Money Slowdown“ from The New York Times
“Endless Demand Spurs U.S. Natural-Gas Prices to Shale-Era Highs” from The Wall Street Journal
“Unengaged workers are fired up about ‘quiet quitting’” from “Marketplace”
“If Your Co-Workers Are ‘Quiet Quitting,’ Here’s What That Means” from The Wall Street Journal
“An Unusual $1.6 Billion Donation Bolsters Conservatives” from The New York Times
“The new tech behind LeVar Burton’s crusade for child literacy” from “Marketplace Tech”

What is something you thought you knew, you later found out you were wrong about? We’re looking for your answers to the Make Me Smart question. Submit yours at makemesmart@marketplace.org, or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Have you heard of Leonardo Leo?

Then we hear a listener’s hack that’ll save you money in the kitchen. And actor and TV host LeVar Burton (we’re fangirling right now) answers the Make Me Smart question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Republicans Confront Unexpected Online Money Slowdown“ from The New York Times
“Endless Demand Spurs U.S. Natural-Gas Prices to Shale-Era Highs” from The Wall Street Journal
“Unengaged workers are fired up about ‘quiet quitting’” from “Marketplace”
“If Your Co-Workers Are ‘Quiet Quitting,’ Here’s What That Means” from The Wall Street Journal
“An Unusual $1.6 Billion Donation Bolsters Conservatives” from The New York Times
“The new tech behind LeVar Burton’s crusade for child literacy” from “Marketplace Tech”

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Ford announced it’s slashing 3,000 white-collar jobs as part of its transition to electric vehicles. We’ll discuss what the layoffs reveal about our changing economy. Plus, could a free tax filing system finally be in the works at the IRS? Then, want to hear what outer space sounds like? Listen till the end to find out.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Ford Will Cut 3,000 Jobs to Reduce Costs in the Transition to Electric Vehicles” from The New York Times
“Inflation Reduction Act Will Require the IRS to Study Free Tax Filing Options” from ProPublica
“The IRS could be on the verge of changing the way Americans file their taxes” from The Hill
“New space telescope shows Jupiter’s auroras, tiny moons” from The Associated Press
“NASA shares sound of black hole and it sounds exactly as creepy as you thought it would” from Mashable

We want to hear from you. Write us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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The housing market has slowed, and that’s caused some mortgage lenders to go out of business. Kai and Amy Scott explain why we’re not in 2008 territory and what to actually take away from this news. Then, in today’s Half Full/Half Empty, we discuss muscle cars, creative inflation compensation, store brands and automatic college admissions!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“US Mortgage Lenders Are Starting to Go Broke” from Bloomberg
“Survivor of White House Lightning Strike Embraces Third Chance at Life” from The New York Times
“A Famous Walrus Is Killed, and Norwegians Are Divided” from The New York Times
“Dodge will retire Charger and Challenger, its muscle car mainstays” from The Washington Post
“Employers get creative with inflation compensation” from Marketplace
“How store brands went from shamed to chic” from Marketplace
“Automatic college admissions can be a boon to students and schools alike” from Marketplace

We want to hear from you. If you’ve got a question, comment or suggestion, send us a voice memo at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Here’s everything we talked about today:

“US Mortgage Lenders Are Starting to Go Broke” from Bloomberg
“Survivor of White House Lightning Strike Embraces Third Chance at Life” from The New York Times
“A Famous Walrus Is Killed, and Norwegians Are Divided” from The New York Times
“Dodge will retire Charger and Challenger, its muscle car mainstays” from The Washington Post
“Employers get creative with inflation compensation” from Marketplace
“How store brands went from shamed to chic” from Marketplace
“Automatic college admissions can be a boon to students and schools alike” from Marketplace

We want to hear from you. If you’ve got a question, comment or suggestion, send us a voice memo at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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We’ve got a lot to talk about today! First, we’re still considering the ways in which the Inflation Reduction Act is going to change our economy. Speaking of change, in July, Americans for the first time spent more time streaming than watching cable. Pause for quick detour into what we’re streaming now. Then, a Make Me Smile for those looking for a solution for hair loss: There might be a pill for that.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Why Buying an Electric Car Just Became More Complicated” from The New York Times
“Americans Spent More Time Streaming Than Watching Cable TV in July — a First” from The Wall Street Journal
“Florida’s ‘Stop Woke Act’ for Workplaces Blocked by Federal Judge” from Bloomberg
“An Old Medicine Grows New Hair for Pennies a Day, Doctors Say” from The New York Times

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! We’ll be livestreaming on YouTube starting at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time, 3:30 p.m. Pacific time.

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We’re still getting your questions about the newly passed Inflation Reduction Act, and we’ll try to answer them! Like, why is it called the Inflation Reduction Act and what is it actually going to do about inflation? Kimberly and Kai share some insight on that and field a few more questions, like where are we going to get all the water needed to make more semiconductors in the United States? And how do you measure productivity in an economy that doesn’t make as many widgets as it used to?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“What the Inflation Reduction Act does and doesn’t do about rising prices” from NPR
“Water shortages loom over future semiconductor fabs in Arizona” from The Verge
Overview of BLS Productivity Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
“The Rise of the Worker Productivity Score” from The New York Times
Measuring productivity in service industries from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
“Can a Hot but Smaller Labor Market Keep Making Gains in Participation?” from the Hamilton Project

If you have more questions about the Inflation Reduction Act or anything else, send them our way. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Here’s everything we talked about today:

“What the Inflation Reduction Act does and doesn’t do about rising prices” from NPR
“Water shortages loom over future semiconductor fabs in Arizona” from The Verge
Overview of BLS Productivity Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
“The Rise of the Worker Productivity Score” from The New York Times
Measuring productivity in service industries from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
“Can a Hot but Smaller Labor Market Keep Making Gains in Participation?” from the Hamilton Project

If you have more questions about the Inflation Reduction Act or anything else, send them our way. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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This year marks the 10-year anniversary of DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program set up by the Obama administration. Under the program, hundreds of thousands of young undocumented immigrants have received protection from deportation and the opportunity to officially participate in the American economy.

It’s estimated that DACA recipients contribute more than $9 billion in federal, state and local taxes annually.

But DACA was supposed to be a temporary fix in lieu of comprehensive immigration reform. So a decade later, why is it still on shaky legal ground, and where’s the real reform?

“The dollars and cents, the costs and benefits of DACA are very clear in terms of positive impacts to individuals, families and to the broader American economy. But when we think about DACA, it is very much steeped in the broader debate over comprehensive immigration reform. And when we talk about that debate over comprehensive immigration reform, we are talking about a highly political, highly partisan and highly contentious debate over who we are as a country,” said Tom Wong, professor of political science at the University of California, San Diego, and director of the U.S. Immigration Policy Center at the UCSD.

On the show today, we discuss how DACA has changed the economic lives of recipients, where it stands today and how it’s influencing the broader immigration debate.

In the News Fix, we’ll also discuss the promise of commercial supersonic airplanes and the economics of hearing aids.

Plus, we’ll hear from listeners about DACA, a lesson about inflation for kids and what an EV driver learned about her car.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“What Is DACA? And Where Does It Stand Now?” from The New York Times
“2021 Survey of DACA Recipients Underscores the Importance of a Pathway to Citizenship” from The Center for American Progress
“Immigrant advocates after W.H. meeting: ‘Next steps’ on policy remain unclear” from Politico
“American Air Bets on New Supersonic Era, Orders 20 Boom Jets” from Bloomberg
“F.D.A. Clears Path for Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids” from The New York Times
“What’s the deal with inflation?” from Marketplace’s “Million Bazillion” podcast

Have a question for the hosts? Send it our way. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org, or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Adam Neumann, the guy who built and then nearly drove WeWork into the ground (we’ve talked about it, a lot) just got a ginormous check for his new business venture. We’ll talk about how that’s even possible (see, WeWork?). Plus, gas prices are falling like a feather, and why is China cutting interest rates? Then, the only guide you need to really understand Kai’s favorite type of beer!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

WeWork Founder Adam Neumann’s New Start-Up Is Backed by Andreessen Horowitz from The New York Times
“China Shocks With Rate Cut as Data Show ‘Alarming’ Slowdown” from Bloomberg
“Gas Prices Under $4 Per Gallon in Over Half of the Country” from Jalopnik
“Academy Apologizes to Sacheen Littlefeather for Her Mistreatment at the 1973 Oscars (Exclusive)” from The Hollywood Reporter
“1973: Marlon Brando Cannot Accept This Very Generous Award” from “And the Oscar Goes To” podcast
“Pellicle’s Essential Guide to IPA” from Pellicle
“No, seriously, NASA’s Space Launch System is ready to take flight” from Ars Technica

Keep sending your voice messages. If you’ve got a question, comment or suggestion, send us a voice memo at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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We couldn’t end the week without talking about the story we’ve (quietly) been avoiding: the FBI raid on former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home in Florida. Kimberly and guest host Meghan McCarty Carino explain how the story went from an investigation about classified documents to espionage. Plus, is polio making a comeback? Then, the hosts weigh in on Serena Williams’ retirement, Peloton getting pricier and splooting!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“FBI search warrant shows Trump under investigation for potential obstruction of justice, Espionage Act violations” from Politico
“House passes Inflation Reduction Act, sending climate and health bill to Biden” from The Washington Post
“Who Sploots?” from Slate
“Did inflation just peak? The markets are acting like it.” from Marketplace
“Cringey LinkedIn posts like the crying CEO are inspiring a culture of backlash” from Fast Company
“Why Serena Williams’s Retirement Is Different” from The Atlantic
“Peloton slashing 780 jobs, closing stores and hiking prices in push to turn profit” from CNBC

We want to hear from you. If you’ve got a question, comment or suggestion, send us a voice memo at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Timing is everything. While Kimberly Adams is working from home with COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced new guidelines for quarantines, social distancing and testing. Does this mark a turning point in the pandemic? Kimberly joins guest host Meghan McCarty Carino to discuss. Then, private companies use consumer data often without permission, and the government wants to know how you feel about it. Plus, look up at the sky before you go to bed tonight. And, do spiders dream?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“CDC loosens coronavirus guidance, signaling strategic shift” from The Washington Post
“The FTC is pushing for changes to how Big Tech handles data” from The Verge
“FTC Explores Rules Cracking Down on Commercial Surveillance and Lax Data Security Practices” from The Federal Trade Commission
“Summer’s last supermoon and meteor shower take the celestial stage tonight” from CNN
“Spiders Seem to Have REM-like Sleep and May Even Dream” from Scientific American

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! We’ll be livestreaming on YouTube starting at 6:30 p.m. Easter time, 3:30 p.m. Pacific time.

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Here’s everything we talked about today:

“CDC loosens coronavirus guidance, signaling strategic shift” from The Washington Post
“The FTC is pushing for changes to how Big Tech handles data” from The Verge
“FTC Explores Rules Cracking Down on Commercial Surveillance and Lax Data Security Practices” from The Federal Trade Commission
“Summer’s last supermoon and meteor shower take the celestial stage tonight” from CNN
“Spiders Seem to Have REM-like Sleep and May Even Dream” from Scientific American

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! We’ll be livestreaming on YouTube starting at 6:30 p.m. Easter time, 3:30 p.m. Pacific time.

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We’re getting lots of question about the Inflation Reduction Act. We know, weird name for the major climate and tax legislation the Senate passed earlier this week. We’ll explain how Democrats plan to pay for it and what it means for prescription drug prices. Plus, the meaning behind the phrase “paycheck to paycheck.”

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“For Older Americans, Health Bill Will Bring Savings and ‘Peace of Mind’” from The New York Times
“How the 15% US Minimum Corporate Tax Would Work” from The Washington Post
“How a Last-Minute Lobbying Blitz Watered Down a Climate Bill Tax” from The New York Times
“What Is Paycheck to Paycheck?” from Investopedia

If you have more questions about the Inflation Reduction Act, or anything else, send them our way. Our email is makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Here’s everything we talked about today:

“For Older Americans, Health Bill Will Bring Savings and ‘Peace of Mind’” from The New York Times
“How the 15% US Minimum Corporate Tax Would Work” from The Washington Post
“How a Last-Minute Lobbying Blitz Watered Down a Climate Bill Tax” from The New York Times
“What Is Paycheck to Paycheck?” from Investopedia

If you have more questions about the Inflation Reduction Act, or anything else, send them our way. Our email is makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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Another virus, another public health emergency. Since monkeypox was first detected in the United States in mid-May, the number of confirmed cases has grown to more than 7,500. Is our public health infrastructure equipped to respond while we’re still dealing with the lingering COVID-19 pandemic? On the show today, Kimberly and guest host Meghan McCarty Carino speak with epidemiologist Celine Gounder, about monkeypox, why our public health system is unprepared to handle another crisis and what climate change has to do with this new normal.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“As Monkeypox Spreads, U.S. Declares a Health Emergency” from The New York Times
“What Should Worry Most Americans About Our Monkeypox Response” from The Atlantic
“Biden administration estimates U.S. may need nearly $7 billion for monkeypox” from The Washington Post
“US Productivity Falls for Second Quarter as Economy Shrinks, Labor Costs Surge” from Bloomberg
“Biden signs China competition bill to boost U.S. chipmakers” from CNBC

We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question: What is something you thought you knew but later found out you were wrong about? Send us a voice memo at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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After a little summer hiatus, we’re back and digging into the Inflation Reduction Act — specifically the part that would offer thousands of dollars in tax credits to electric car buyers. But will the incentives actually make EVs more affordable and lead to mass adoption that leads to curbing climate-warming emissions? Kimberly and guest host Meghan McCarty Carino get into it. Plus, a major investigation into the real origins of the government’s family separation policy. Then, it’s a bird … it’s a plane … it’s a slice of salami?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

What the proposed climate bill means for EV buyers from Axios
“Electric Cars Are Too Costly for Many, Even With Aid in Climate Bill” from The New York Times
“The climate bill could short-circuit EV tax credits, making qualifying for them nearly impossible” from The Conversation
The secret history of family separation from The Atlantic
“Earth broke the record for the shortest day since atomic clocks were invented” from CNN
“James Webb Spots the Farthest Galaxy Humans Have Ever Seen, Near the Dawn of Time” from Vice

Let us know what’s on your mind. Our email is makemesmart@marketplace.org. You can also leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.

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“Make Me Smart” is on summer break this week, but we’re thrilled to share an episode from our sister show “Million Bazillion,” which answers questions kids have about money.

Today’s episode tackles a question many of our grown-up listeners have too: what is cryptocurrency? Join “Million Bazillion” hosts Ryan Perez and Bridget Bodnar as they dive into the complicated world of crypto (you’ll probably recognize some familiar Marketplace folks too).

We’ll be back in your feeds on Monday, Aug. 8. Until then, keep sending your thoughts, comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at 508-827-6278, or 508-U-B-SMART.

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The largest U.S. oil companies reported record revenue for the second quarter. We’re talking a LOT of money here, folks. Guest host Andy Uhler explains. Plus, why this month’s stock market rally means we might expect the Federal Reserve to “drop the hammer” this fall. And we’ve got a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Our hosts weigh in on robotic dead spiders, the CHIPS Act, Choco Tacos, Beyonce’s new album and office parties!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Exxon, Chevron post blowout earnings, oil majors bet on buybacks” from Reuters
“Shock July Stock Rally Was a Monster the Fed May Regret Seeing” from Bloomberg
“Scientists Turn Dead Spiders Into ‘Necrobotic’ Arachnoborgs” from Futurism
“The passage of the CHIPS Act could launch another US startup renaissance” from TechCrunch
“People Are Mourning the End of the Choco Taco, a Mount Rushmore Ice Cream Treat” from Sports Illustrated
“How ‘forced fun’ at the office can hurt our ability to disconnect” from Marketplace

We’re off all next week, but we’d still love to hear from you! Send your questions, comments or thoughts on the show to us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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Yes, we know, the GDP numbers are in. The United States reported today a 0.9% drop in gross domestic product in the second quarter. We’ll discuss. Also, Chinese officials expect to miss economic growth targets. On today’s show, Kai Ryssdal and guest host Matt Levin discuss the “squishy” situation China could find itself in. Plus, a bold move from the Federal Trade Commission could signal a new path to regulating Big Tech. Then we’ll wrap up the show with a “berry” delicious Make Me Smile from Down Under!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Chinese Leaders Indicate Country Is Likely to Miss Economic Growth Targets” from The Wall Street Journal
“The Strong Dollar Is Wreaking Havoc Globally — And It’s Just Getting Started” from Bloomberg
“F.T.C. Sues to Block Meta’s Virtual Reality Deal as It Confronts Big Tech” from The New York Times
“Don’t panic about the Chinese space junk crash this weekend” from Space.com
“Australia Is Begging People to Eat More Avocado Toast” from Motherboard

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! We’ll be livestreaming on YouTube starting at 6:30 p.m. Easter time, 3:30 p.m. Pacific time.

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Today Kai Ryssdal and guest host Samantha Fields answer questions from listeners about negative GDP growth and how the global helium shortage will affect the balloon market. Plus, how to not handle an inflation crisis, carnival revenue sharing and some big thoughts on whether the decreasing cost of oil is good news or bad news.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

This definition of negative growth from Investopedia
This graph from the WorldBank showing U.S. GDP since the 1960s
“With helium in short supply, scientists are worried” from Marketplace
“The ongoing problems of the helium shortage” from Peak Scientific
“Helium shortage grounds weather balloons in Denver” from 9News
“5 things to know about the inflation crisis during the ’70s” from Marketplace
“Gerald Ford responded to an inflation crisis with a voluntary public campaign. It was a disaster.” from The Washington Post

Got a question you’d like us to answer? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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The Federal Reserve could put a quick end to inflation on its own, economist Claudia Sahm says, but be careful what you wish for. Remember that thing we were talking about yesterday? Sahm, formerly of the Fed and the White House, now the founder of Sahm Consulting, says the central bank can only do so much to tame prices without throwing the economy into recession. For this week’s deep dive, she tells us some ways Congress can pitch in.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Don’t make the Fed go it alone on inflation” from Stay-At-Home Macro
“Will the Fed Cause a Recession? Not Necessarily, if Biden’s White House Acts” from Barron’s
“The Agony of an Early Case of Monkeypox” from The New Yorker
“W.H.O. Declares Monkeypox Spread a Global Health Emergency” from The New York Times
“China Targeted Fed to Build Informant Network, Access Data, a Probe Says” from The Wall Street Journal

Have any thoughts on the show? Something interesting to share, or perhaps an answer to the Make Me Smart question? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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Second-quarter reports on the economy are coming in this week, as well as corporate financial results. The expectation is that gross domestic product will take a dip for the second consecutive quarter. But don’t start in with the R-word. Kai and Marketplace’s Amy Scott discuss why this isn’t a recession (seriously). We’ll also discuss some energy news from overseas, including Russia’s decision to restrict its supply of natural gas to Europe. And Kai’s got an opinion on teasers that are “too teasy.”

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

Axios correspondent Neil Irwin shared this tweet regarding “recession” coverage
“Biden: ‘We’re not going to be in a recession’” from Axios
“Russia cuts gas deliveries to Europe via Nord Stream 1” from The Financial Times
“How London Paid a Record Price to Dodge a Blackout” from Bloomberg
Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever | Official Teaser
“Joni Mitchell sings, steals show with surprise Newport Folk Festival concert” from NPR

Have thoughts or questions for the show? Share them with us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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Get ready for some spicy hot takes. Andy Uhler joins Kai for Economics on Tap and to discuss the state of our food supply, from wheat to hard seltzer, and what low water levels at Lake Mead, near Las Vegas, have to do with high prices at the grocery store. Plus, Kai has something to say about a recent op-ed piece by retired generals. During Half Full/Half Empty, the hosts weigh in on Meta v. Meta and MLB v. the minor leagues, and Kai tells us how he really feels about crypto.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Hard Seltzer Fad Fizzles as Light Beer Makes a Comeback” from The Wall Street Journal
Satellite Photos Show Lake Mead Water Levels Dangerously Low from The New York Times
“Ukraine Latest: US Opens Door to Sending Fighter Jets to Ukraine” from Bloomberg
Opinion | “We Are Retired Generals and Admirals. Trump’s Actions on Jan. 6 Were a Dereliction of Duty.” from The New York Times

We want to hear your spicy hot takes. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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Hey everyone, we’re taking a short break today, but we’ll be back tomorrow with an all-new Make Me Smart. In the meantime, here’s a deep dive episode you may have missed, all about the James Webb Space Telescope. NASA released its first images earlier this month.

For the first deep dive of 2022, we’re going to space! OK, not really. But we’re talking about the most powerful space telescope ever. The James Webb Space Telescope cost $10 billion, a lot of tech went into developing it and we can’t stop obsessing over it. Neither can our guest.

“I cannot contain my excitement. It’s been a wild roller coaster getting to this point. And to have this telescope now launched in space, it’s just so thrilling for astronomers everywhere,” said Caitlin Casey, professor of astronomy at the University of Texas at Austin, who will be leading the biggest project on the JWST.

The telescope is expected to help researchers discover some of the most distant galaxies and study the atmosphere of planets outside our solar system to see if they’re habitable.

On the show today: what the JWST tells us about the future of public and private investment in space exploration.

Casey will also highlight the technological developments created by the JWST and its predecessor, Hubble, and how they’ve impacted industries from medical equipment to GPS technology.

In the News Fix, some companies have stopped predicting when they’ll be back in the office. Plus, an in-depth investigation into the House and Senate members who enslaved Black people. Later, we’ll discuss why some people want to tone down our use of the term “deep dive” and an answer to the Make Me Smart Question from the 2011 Nobel Prize winner in physics.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“James Webb Space Telescope Launches on Journey to See the Dawn of Starlight” from The New York Times
Photo: the Hubble Deep Field
“Global Space Economy Rose to $447B in 2020, Continuing Five-Year Growth” from the Space Foundation
“NASA splits human spaceflight unit in two, reflecting new orbital economy” from Reuters
“Surging Covid-19 Puts an End to Projected Return-to-Office Dates” from The Wall Street Journal
“Rivian shares decline on 2021 production and executive departure” from CNBC
Who owned slaves in Congress? A list of 1,700 enslavers from The Washington Post

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Have you heard? Minivans are cool again, and one of our listeners wants to know why she can’t find a minivan for sale at reasonable price. Our minivan-driving host has answers. Plus, we’ll take your questions about ethanol, consumer spending here and abroad, along with how we’re all managing to still go to work amid everything happening around us.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Consumer spending by country from CEIC Data
“Chinese consumer spending is set to double by 2030, Morgan Stanley predicts” from CNBC
“How Ethanol and E15 Gas Fit Into Biden’s Plans to Fight Inflation” from The Washington Post
Ethanol explained from U.S. Energy Information Administration
“Is ethanol really worse than gasoline? The debate, revisited.” from Vox
“The minivan is kind of making a comeback this summer” from Marketplace
“People Are Finding It Hard to Focus on Work Right Now” from The Atlantic

If you’ve got a question you’d like us to find the answer to, email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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From gasoline prices to decoupage, we’ve got a little bit of everything.

First, let’s start with gas prices. Yes, they’ve been coming down a bit lately, but gas prices are on a roller coaster, and the ride isn’t likely to end anytime soon.

“By participating in this global market for oil and gas, we have hitched our economy to a roller coaster ride that we don’t have any control over. We’re all part of one big market, and a policy change in Beijing or a war in Europe, those have the same effects on our prices as if something had happened here in the U.S.,” said Clark Williams-Derry, an analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.

But what if there’s a way off this ride? Is there another way to put our energy economy together that doesn’t take consumers for a spin and shields us from the whims of the global market?

On the show today, the economic and geopolitical forces behind gas prices and why pivoting to renewables might be the only way out.

In the News Fix, we’ll discuss the actions the Biden administration is considering to fight climate change. We’ll also check in on an unusual economic indicator: What’s Apple up to?

Later, if you’re an ’80s music fan, you’ll love this hack a listener shared that he uses at the grocery store checkout line. And, what would you do with old, worthless baseball cards? Help out a fellow “Make Me Smart” listener, will ya? Plus, decoupage, anyone?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“What gas prices do — and don’t — tell us about the economy” from Vox
“State Department adviser expects gas prices to fall to $4 a gallon” from Axios
“Iran and Russia’s Gazprom sign primary deal for energy cooperation” from Reuters
“Biden eyes climate emergency declaration as Democrats demand swift action” from The Washington Post
“Secret Service cannot recover texts; no new details for Jan. 6 committee” from The Washington Post
“Apple to Slow Hiring and Spending for Some Teams Next Year” from Bloomberg
Video: Tommy Tutone — “867-5309/Jenny“
“Tips, Tricks, and Advice for Decoupage” from the Spruce Crafts

If you’ve got a hack you’d like to share, email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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This is your Friday reminder that the COVID-19 pandemic is still here. Today, the World Health Organization warned about new viruses driving up cases, hospitalizations and deaths around the globe. We’ll discuss the latest wave. You know what else is here? Climate change. The United Kingdom is experiencing record-breaking temperatures. Plus, Kimberly Adams and Kai Ryssdal give us their hot takes on BMW’s heated seats, some frozen treats and more.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“WHO warns covid ‘nowhere near over’ as variants spike in U.S., Europe” from The Washington Post
“Drug resistance: How the pandemic screwed up our antibiotics” from Vox
“How the son of sharecroppers helped send the world’s most powerful telescope to space” from NPR
“National emergency in U.K. as historic heat wave sweeps over Europe” from The Washington Post
“BMW Is Trying Again With Subscription-Based Access to Luxury Features, This Time in South Korea” from Jalopnik
“Alaska Airlines, Microsoft and carbon capture firm join forces to develop sustainable fuels” from Marketplace
“What role should college rankings play in choosing a school?” from Marketplace
“Major credit bureaus are changing how they report unpaid medical bills” from Marketplace
“Eat the Rich” ice cream truck sells $10 popsicles shaped like Bezos, Musk, others” from CBS

We want to hear from you. Send us your thoughts or questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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The Social Security Administration is debating how much to increase payments in 2023 due to inflation, and the boost could be the biggest since the ’80s. We’ll explain the obscure measure it uses to calculate its annual cost-of-living increase. Plus, taking the ferry in New York City is about to get more affordable for some riders. And, Worldle meets board games!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Social Security checks could grow by about $175 a month as the cost of living continues to surge” from CNN
“Why does BLS provide both the CPI-W and CPI-U?” from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Opinion | Roe v. Wade Overturned: What Do Pro-Choice Voters Think? from The New York Times
“Wordle is getting an official party game” from Polygon
“NYC Unveils Ferry Fare Plan to Have Poor Pay Less, Tourists More” from Bloomberg

Join Kimberly and Kai tomorrow for Economics on Tap. We’ll be livestreaming on YouTube starting at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

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Amy Scott fills in for Kai today to answer listener questions with Kimberly. One listener has a followup question on a Marketplace story from last week about how little child care workers get paid. He wondered, then why is child care so expensive? Where does the money go? We’ll dig into the costs. We’ll also answer your questions about money in politics and what’s behind the baby formula shortage. Then, our hosts give a listener some drink recommendations.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Everything you need to know about Citizens United on its 10th anniversary” from the Center for Responsive Politics
“As baby formula plant reopens, can the U.S. diversify the marketplace?” from Marketplace
“Second time’s a charm? Baby formula plant at center of shortages quietly reopened July 1” from Politico
“As child care costs soar, providers are barely getting by. Is there any fix?” from NPR
Report: The Economics of Child Care Supply in the United States from the Treasury Department

If you’ve got a question about money and politics, let us know. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org. Or leave us a voice message at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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Labor organizing looks a lot different today.

The AFL-CIO’s goal is to unionize 1 million workers in the next decade. Could organizing smaller workplaces be the path toward reversing decades of declining union membership?

On the show today, what labor organizing looks like in the modern economy, why it’s different from what we saw in the past and what it means for the workplace of 2022 and beyond.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“How do workers take on a national chain like Starbucks? One store at a time” from Fast Company
“Americans have lost confidence in everything from organized religion to Congress, but their faith in unions is staying strong” from Business Insider
“Union Election Petitions Increase 57% In First Half of Fiscal Year 2022” from the National Labor Relations Board
Jan. 6 hearing live updates: Panel to explore how Trump summoned extremist groups to Washington from The Washington Post
“British Runner Mo Farah Says He Was Trafficked as a Child” from The New York Times
“London’s Heathrow Airport Will Limit Passengers for the Summer” from The New York Times

Got a question for our hosts? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org. Or leave us a voice message at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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If you’re planning a trip to Europe anytime soon, now is the time to exchange your dollars for euros. For the first time in 20 years, $1 is nearly equal to one euro. We’ll talk about what it means for the global economy. Plus, mini-explainers on carry trades and Sri Lankas’s economy. And the moment space geeks have been waiting for: The first image from the James Webb Space Telescope is here, and it’s a beauty! Finally, Kimberly has a 7/11 tradition, and we’re here for it!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Global population growth hits lowest rate since 1950″ from The Financial Times
“Battered Euro Edges Ever Closer to Parity as Dollar Runs Rampant” from Bloomberg
“What Is Delaware’s Court of Chancery and Its Role in Elon Musk’s Twitter Deal?” from The New York Times
“EXPLAINER: Why Sri Lanka’s economy collapsed and what’s next” from The Associated Press
“Sri Lanka Crisis Flashes Warning for Other Indebted Economies” from The Wall Street Journal
“First Images from the James Webb Space Telescope” from NASA
Listen: “Twenty-Four Seven” podcast
Watch: Beyoncé’s “7/11” video

We want to hear your answers to the Make Me Smart question: What is something you thought you knew but later found out you were wrong about? Send them our way. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org. Or leave us a voice message at (508) 827

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Not to say, “We told you so,” but we did see this coming. Earlier Friday, Elon Musk announced he was backing out of the deal to purchase Twitter. Twitter’s board of directors has told Musk they’ll see him in court. We’ll discuss the possibility of the deal falling through. Then, some thoughts on a new AP report about election workers who are weighing the decision to return to their jobs at the polls this fall. And what’s a Friday show without a round of Half Full/Half Empty? Our hosts weigh in on state tax rebates, eerie green skies, grocery coupons and a possible Pokémon bubble.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show:

“Elon Musk tries to walk away from Twitter deal” from Axios
“Elon Musk says he won’t buy Twitter” from NPR
“Facing threats, some election workers weigh whether to stay” from the Associated Press
“Around a dozen states are handing out tax rebates. Could that fuel more inflation?” from Marketplace
This tweet from South Dakota where the sky is … green?
“Do grocery coupons have a place in the digital economy?” from Marketplace
“The great Pokémon card shortage has a solution: 9 billion new cards” from Polygon

Have any thoughts or questions about the show? We want to hear from you. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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“Fake it till you make it” has long been a mantra in Silicon Valley. It’s a culture that often brings financial consequences but very rarely criminal ones. We’ll talk about the significance of the criminal case against the former chief operating officer of the Theranos medical tech company, Sunny Balwani. He and his former romantic partner, Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, faced charges of defrauding investors and patients. Speaking of consequences, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin gets sentenced again, this time for violating George Floyd’s civil rights, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces his intention to resign. We have the “purr-fect” tweet on the BoJo saga.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Chauvin gets 21 years for violating Floyd’s civil rights” from The Los Angeles Times
Comey and McCabe Audits: How Likely That They Were a Coincidence? from The New York Times
“No. 2 Theranos Executive Found Guilty of 12 Counts of Fraud” from The New York Times
“Former Theranos COO Sunny Balwani found guilty of all charges” from Engadget
“We’ve Never Seen Mars Quite Like This” from the Atlantic
“Webb’s Fine Guidance Sensor Provides a Preview” from NASA
This purr-fect tweet about the Boris Johnson situation

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. We’ll be on the YouTube livestream starting at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. We’ll have more news, drinks and a game!

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It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for us to answer questions from you! With “Minions: The Rise of Gru” becoming the latest movie to dominate grocery store advertising, one listener wonders how these massive cross promotions work. We’ve got the inside scoop. Plus, answers to your questions about employers offering to cover abortion costs, El Salvador’s efforts to make bitcoin a national currency, and big news in the world of beer!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Companies scramble to figure out abortion travel benefit, privacy protections” from Marketplace
“El Salvador becomes the first to make bitcoin a national currency” from Marketplace
“A Poor Country Made Bitcoin a National Currency. The Bet Isn’t Paying Off.” from The New York Times
Watch this TikTok about the “Minions” marketing campaign
“Sapporo USA to acquire California craft brewer Stone Brewing” from the Associated Press

Have a question about the economy, tech or culture? Send it our way. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org. You can also leave us a voice message at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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Capitalism is often talked about as one of the big drivers behind climate change. The belief is that our obsessions with buying stuff and growing the economy have destroyed the planet.

But what if capitalism isn’t the real problem?

“Capitalism only goes in a direction that political choices steer it. And we’ve just made a couple of bad political choices that have caused polluting industries to overpollute,” said Shi-Ling Hsu, D’Alemberte professor at Florida State University College of Law and author of the new book “Capitalism and the Environment: A Proposal to Save the Planet.”

Whether or not you believe capitalism is to blame for our climate crisis, Hsu says we could harness the power of capitalism to get us out of this mess. On today’s show, we’ll talk about the tools that could help us reverse course and why that hinges on having a healthy democracy.

In the News Fix: Is natural gas the new Big Oil? We’ll explain how it’s shaping geopolitics. Plus, our social, political and economic lives may start to look really different depending on where we live, thanks to the Supreme Court.

Later, the debate over how many spaces to use after a period is far from settled. Listeners weigh in. And, what about a Kai-sigh index?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

More on professor Shi-Ling Hsu’s work
“The case for a carbon tax” from the last time Hsu stopped by Make Me Smart
“Capitalism is killing the planet — it’s time to stop buying into our own destruction” from The Guardian
“Supreme Court will hear NC case with 2024 presidential election implications” from The News & Observer
“Supreme Court to review state legislatures’ power in federal elections” from The Washington Post
“Natural Gas Soars 700%, Becoming Driving Force in the New Cold War” from Bloomberg
“Many St. Louis area students will pay for school lunches again when free program ends” from St. Louis Post-Dispatch
“Congress extends pandemic-era school meal program, with caveats” from The Washington Post
“School lunches aren’t free to everyone anymore. Some advocates think they should be.” from Marketplace

We’re looking for your answer to the Make Me Smart question: What is something you thought you knew that you later found out you were wrong about?Send it to makemesmart@marketplace.org and (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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U.S. officials called for the release of WNBA star Brittany Griner as her trial began in a Russian court Friday. Russia has been accused of wrongfully detaining the All-Star center for political purposes since her arrest in February, just one week before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. And there are plenty of questions surrounding the U.S. effort to secure Griner’s return. We’ll look at some of those concerns. Plus, the story behind the annual celebration of a memeworthy contract in baseball. And we’ll send you off into the holiday with a game of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“It’s Bobby Bonilla Day, When The Retired Mets Star Gets Paid $1,193,248.20” from The Wall Street Journal
“Brittney Griner: ‘No higher priority’ than bringing her home” from BBC News
“FCC commissioner calls on Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their app stores” from CNN
“Delta offered $10,000 to each passenger who volunteered to be bumped from an oversold flight out of Michigan, reports say” from Business Insider
“Taco Bell’s newest food uses an oversized Cheez-It” from CNN
“Fireworks are out, drone shows are in this Fourth of July” from Axios

We’re off for the Fourth of July on Monday. Join us Tuesday for our deep dive into capitalism and the environment. In the meantime, keep sending your inflation- and non-inflation-related questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org and (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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Depending on which inflation numbers you look at, you either believe inflation is bad or really, really bad. So which is it? We’ll discuss the difference between the consumer price index and the personal consumption expenditures index, and why it matters. Plus, the Supreme Court delivers a major blow to environmental regulation. And, we get even smarter about the Mason jar-NASA connection.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Is inflation 8.6% or 6.5%? Yes” from Axios
“What do different measures of inflation tell us?” from Marketplace
“Supreme Court handcuffs Biden’s climate efforts” from Politico
“James Mattis just got married in the most Marine way possible” from Task and Purpose
“Ball Aerospace: A company known for mason jars helped with NASA’s Orion capsule.” from Slate

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. We’ll be on the YouTube livestream starting at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time/3:30 p.m. Pacific time. We’ll have more news, drinks and a game!

Your donation powers the journalism you rely on. Give today to support “Make Me Smart.“

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It’s listener question time! A few weeks ago, Kai Ryssdal said consumers who want to help slow our inflated economy should stop spending money. But now one of our listeners wants to know if there’s anything they can do with their disposable income that helps the economy but is also fun. We offer some advice. Plus, the hosts take more of your questions on what role the dark web might play in a post-Roe era, and more than one question about gas prices!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“What the end of Roe v. Wade means for access to abortion pills” from NBC News
“With Roe overturned, tech companies will have to weigh big data questions” from Marketplace
“Tech companies may surrender abortion-related data” from Axios
“5 key takeaways on inflation from the May CPI report” from The Brookings Institution
“Biden asks companies “setting those gas prices” to lower them. Can they?” from Marketplace
“Biden wants a gas tax holiday. Some economists say that’s a bad idea” from NPR

If you have a question about business, tech and the economy, send it our way. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org. You can also leave us a voice message at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

Your donation powers the journalism you rely on. Give today to support “Make Me Smart.”

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Following up on our recent deep dive into the housing crisis, today we’re taking a deeper look at affordable housing. There’s not enough of it in this economy, but getting more built is a hard nut to crack.

But what exactly is affordable housing? And, what’s considered affordable these days?

Experts say there are generally two large buckets. Big “A” affordable housing is publicly subsidized units that are intended for low-income households. Small “a” affordable housing is generally considered housing priced at no more than 30% of a household’s budget.

Either way, there’s a shortage.

“Part of the issue is that after the last recession, we had more higher-income renters who were stuck in the rental market or who chose to stay in the rental market longer. So then we just see rents continue to rise,” said Whitney Airgood-Obrycki, a senior research associate at Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, which just released a report on the state of the nation’s housing.

On today’s show, Airgood-Obrycki makes us smart about the realities of America’s affordable-housing crisis and its impact on the broader economy.

In the News Fix, we’ll discuss a new report that may offer clues about where all the affordable homes may have gone. Plus, the Federal Reserve takes consumers’ attitudes about inflation seriously. But it turns out that measuring those attitudes isn’t exactly a hard science. We’ll explain.

Then, we hear from listeners about the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, mortgage rates and old school typing rules.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The State of the Nation’s Housing 2022” from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University
“Biden administration creates plan to increase affordable housing” from Marketplace
“Where Have All The Houses Gone?” from the House Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations
“The Strange Art of Asking People How Much Inflation They Expect” from The Wall Street Journal
“At least 50 people found dead in abandoned 18-wheeler in San Antonio” from The Texas Tribune
“Two Spaces After a Period or Just One? Please Get It Right!” from Patrick’s Place blog

Do you use two spaces after a period? Let us know. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org. You can also leave us a voice message at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

Your donation powers the journalism you rely on. Give today to support Make Me Smart.

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After last week’s Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, we’re tracking the fallout from the business perspective. From CVS to Meta, companies are making changes that may impact reproductive health care. Plus, listen up, space geeks! We’ve got news about NASA’s return to the moon. And, what do Mason jars have to do with space exploration? We’ll make you smart.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Jan. 6 Panel Abruptly Sets Tuesday Hearing on ‘Recently Obtained Evidence’” from The New York Times
The cover of the July 4 issue of The New Yorker
“CVS capping purchases of Plan B pills to ensure consistent supply” from CNBC
“Facebook Is Banning People Who Say They Will Mail Abortion Pills” from Vice
“NASA Completes Artemis I Moon Rocket Test, Moves Forward Toward Launch” from SciTech Daily
“How a teen lifeguard took on the gender pay gap — and what she gained” from The Washington Post
Ball Aerospace: A company known for Mason jars helped with NASA’s Orion capsule from Slate

We want to hear from you. Leave us a question or comment at makemesmart@marketplace.org or at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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Between today’s Supreme Court ruling on abortion, its recent decision on guns and the Jan. 6 hearings, our democratic system is in a bit of shock. And it might not end anytime soon. On the show today, we’re talking about the Supreme Court’s abortion decision and what it could mean for rights we thought were protected, from contraception to same-sex marriage. Plus, we wrap the week with a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization
“The companies that will cover travel expenses for employee abortions.” from The New York Times
“House sends bipartisan gun safety bill to Biden” from Politico
“States Rush to Revamp Laws After Supreme Court’s Gun Ruling” from The New York Times

We want to hear from you. How are you coping with the deluge of news? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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It’s not just you. Housing affordability is getting worse. Marketplace’s Amy Scott, who covers housing, is here for a news fix on the state of the market. Plus, the economy is giving us bad vibes, and so is the Supreme Court. Then, would you like to sleep in a giant windowless (fake) potato, or what about a submarine? Finally, why Airbnb listings are about to get wild.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol from the House of Representatives
“Confidence in U.S. Supreme Court Sinks to Historic Low” from Gallup
“Homebuyer affordability worsens in May amid inflation, higher mortgage rates” from HousingWire
“Keyword Searches Around ‘Recession’ and ‘Bear Market’ on the Rise” from Similarweb Blog
“Airbnb Is Giving Away $10 Million to Build the ‘Craziest Places on Earth’” from Bloomberg
“When a U.S. swimmer sank to the bottom of the pool, her coach jumped in to save her” from NPR

Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. We’ll be on the YouTube livestream starting at 6:30 ET/3:30 PT. We’ll have more news, drinks and a game!

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Recessions are on lots of people’s minds these days, including Jerome Powell’s. The Federal Reserve chief told Congress on Wednesday that a recession is a “possibility” as the Fed tries to tame inflation. So today, a listener wonders whether recessions are inevitable in our modern economy. We’ll break it down. Plus, we take more of your questions about the effectiveness of gas boycotts, why the Sunshine State — Florida — isn’t leading on solar energy and Kimberly’s favorite cocktail ingredient, bitters!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

FAQs on recessions from the National Bureau of Economic Research
“Odds of a recession rising but vary widely” from Marketplace
“Why isn’t the Sunshine State the leader in using solar power?” from The Sun-Sentinel
“Would a Gas Boycott Actually Lower Prices at the Pump?” from Money magazine
“< Oil: Less Than Zero” from Marketplace alum Stacey Vanek Smith at NPR
“How new job-search technologies are affecting the U.S. labor market” from the Washington Center for Equitable Growth

Keep sending us your questions. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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Inflation is the economic story of the day. And, even though it’s been percolating for over a year, last week the inflation story kicked into high gear with the Federal Reserve making big moves to get rising prices under control. So what changed, exactly?

For starters, a combination of reports showing the worse of inflation isn’t over and that consumers expect inflation to keep rising.

“And so, that was one of the reasons why we saw the Fed do, a bigger rate hike than they were originally expecting, said Victoria Guida, who covers the Federal Reserve for Politico. “It wasn’t just because they wanted to get interest rates up faster, it was also sort of a message to the American public: ‘Hey, we’re really serious about getting inflation back down. So, you know, don’t get it into your heads that inflation is going to stay this high forever.'”

On the show today: How the Fed miscalculated inflation, and why we may not know how well the Fed navigated this moment until years down the road. Plus, we’ll answer a couple of your inflation questions.

Later, we’ll discuss how companies are responding to inflation and the scale of China’s surveillance state.

Then, if you have a hard time remembering the weather in Celsius, a listener shares a hack that’ll make you sound smart in front of your friends. And an answer to the Make Me Smart question that has many of us nodding along.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Failure ‘not an option’: Fed vows all-out fight on inflation” from Politico
“On Inflation, Economics Has Some Explaining to Do” from The Wall Street Journal
“Recession-Fearing Bosses Quietly Abandon Open Jobs” from Bloomberg
“China’s Surveillance State Is Growing. These Documents Reveal How.” from The New York Times
“Greitens ‘RINO hunting’ ad gets attention and condemnation” from St. Louis Public Radio

Join us tomorrow for Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday. And if you’ve got a question you’d like us to answer in a future show, email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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Today we’re looking ahead to next week, when kids 6 months to 5 years old should finally get access to a COVID vaccine. It’s giving us spring 2021 flashbacks. Then we’ll touch on the latest in rising infla — HEY, PAY ATTENTION, THIS IS IMPORTANT! Plus, climate change and the significance of corporate America speaking out about the threats to our democracy. We’ll wrap up the week with a round of our favorite game, Half Full / Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Why some parents are skeptical about covid vaccines for young children” from The Washington Post
WMO Weather Reports 2050 – France
“Fed Raises Interest Rates In Effort To — Hey, Pay Attention, This Is Important!” from The Onion
“Bill Gates says crypto and NFTs are a sham” from CNN
“Squid Game” Reality TV Show Coming to Netflix from The Hollywood Reporter
“Pardon Me, Do You Have Any Grey Poupon Ice Cream? The Dijon Mustard-Flavored Treat Is Now Available Nationwide” from Food & Wine magazine
“U.K. weighs whether to restore its old system of imperial measurements” from Marketplace
“Does this AI know it’s alive?” from Vox

We’ll be off Monday to observe Juneteenth. Join us Tuesday for a deep dive about inflation. In the meantime, keep sending your inflation- and non-inflation- related questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org and (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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During today’s Jan. 6 committee hearing, we learned about the role former Vice President Mike Pence played in responding to the insurrection at the Capitol. On the show, the hosts breakdown some of the key testimony and look to history as a guide for what they hope might come next in the hearings. Plus, we’ll introduce you another TikTokker with ridiculous geolocating skills. And good news for the ship that inspired the film “The Goonies”!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The 16 most compelling lines from today’s January 6 committee hearing “ from CNN
“Trump’s Campaign to Influence Vice President Pence” from C-SPAN
Meet this Google Maps player
“Legendary Spanish galleon shipwreck discovered on Oregon coast” from National Geographic
“17th-Century Spanish Shipwreck Found Off Oregon Coast” from The Daily Beast

If you’re watching the Jan. 6 hearings, tell us what your biggest takeaways have been so far. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org and (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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The Federal Reserve raised interest rates today by the largest amount since 1994 to try to get inflation under control. One of our listeners is wondering what the average consumer can do to keep inflation at bay. We’ll offer a potential solution. Plus, we tackle your questions about rent control, private equity and the costs of all those canceled flights.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Federal Reserve attacks inflation with its largest rate hike since 1994” from Marketplace
“Private equity will buy up companies to the tune of $1 trillion this year” from Marketplace
Private equity explained
“How Private Equity Looted America” from Mother Jones
“It’s a pain to fly these days. The FAA and airlines are trying to fix that” from CNBC

If you’ve got a question for us, send it to makemesmart@marketplace.org and (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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For days now, we’ve been talking about something that happened 17 months ago, the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Congressional hearings into the events of that day started last week. The details can feel removed from the day-to-day economic struggles of the average American, but they are crucial.

The Jan. 6 committee wants Americans to “understand that not only what happened was bad, it’s ongoing. This is still a threat to the country, is still a threat to democracy. And that if you do care about the economy, you need to make sure that we have a functioning government to confront those problems in the future too,” said Kyle Cheney, senior legal affairs reporter at Politico.

On the show today, we’re talking about the aftermath of Jan. 6, what may come after the hearings and why this is important for the stability of our democracy and our economy.

Later, we’ll discuss the rising tide of white nationalism and extremism after the arrests of dozens of people who police say were plotting to attack an LGBTQ pride event in Idaho. Also, crypto winter is here! Are the layoffs at Coinbase the first of many?

Plus, listeners weigh in on the housing market and Taco Bell ditching dine-in service. Then, we end the show with a fatherly answer to the “Make Me Smart” question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Kyle Cheney’s Twitter feed
“Jan. 6 panel makes case election fraud claims were Trump vs. ‘Team Normal’” from Politico
FBI assisting investigation of Patriot Front, an alleged white nationalist group accused of planning riot at Idaho Pride event from CBS News
“CDC Rescinds Order Requiring Negative Pre-Departure COVID-19 Test Prior to Flight to the US“
“Title 42 and its Impact on Migrant Families” from Kaiser Family Foundation
“Coinbase says it will cut 18 percent of its work force.” from The New York Times

Join us tomorrow for Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday. If you’ve got a question you’d like our hosts to answer, send it our way. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org and (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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It’s Day 2 of the Jan. 6 hearings, and we’re learning more about the money involved in perpetuating false election claims. On Monday, the panel said the Trump campaign raised $250 million from donors who believed their money was going to investigate potential voter fraud. “The big lie was also a big rip-off,” Democratic Rep. Zoe Lofgren of California said. We’ll explain where the money really went. Plus, the markets are getting clobbered. How should the Federal Reserve react? And a fun fact we learned that’ll impress your friends the next time you pop champagne. Cheers!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Jan. 6 panel makes case election fraud claims were Trump vs. ‘Team Normal’” from Politico
“The Fed May Discuss Biggest Interest Rate Increase Since 1994″ from The New York Times
“Opinion: The Federal Reserve should go big now to fight inflation” from The Washington Post
Video: Watch a guy on TikTok geolocate images
“Popping a champagne cork creates supersonic shockwaves” from Popular Science

Got a question or comment for us? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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Last night we tuned in to the prime-time airing of the Jan. 6 committee hearing (we’d love to hear your thoughts if you were too). And today we’re going to talk about it. We’ve also got updates on COVID testing for international flyers to the U.S. and a possible falling out between Meta and its chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg. Then during Half Full/Half Empty, Kai and Kimberly weigh in on financial literacy classes, the Novavax COVID vaccine, converting classic cars into electric vehicles, a new European Union tech rule and Taco Bell’s new drive-thru architecture.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Ginni Thomas pressed 29 Ariz. lawmakers to help overturn Trump’s defeat, emails show” from The Washington Post
The official statement from Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera regarding defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio’s comments
“U.S. to lift covid testing requirement for fliers entering the country” from The Washington Post
“Meta Scrutinizing Sheryl Sandberg’s Use of Facebook Resources Over Several Years” from The Wall Street Journal
“States are adding a new requirement for high school graduation: financial literacy” from Marketplace
“At this point in the pandemic, will there be a market for the Novavax vaccine?” from Marketplace
“Car buffs want to turn classic rides into EVs. These Southern California businesses are making it happen.” from Marketplace
“New EU rule will require all phones and electronics to use a standard charger” from CNN
“See Taco Bell’s new floating restaurant that delivers tacos from the sky” from CNN

Are you keeping an eye on the Jan. 6 hearings? Send us an email with your thoughts or questions at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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This week, U.S. Sens. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York introduced a bill to regulate cryptocurrencies. Then, they went on TV pumping up bitcoin. We’ll explain why that’s not cool, starting with the fact that, according to her financial disclosures, Lummis is a big-time crypto investor. Consult your own financial advisers, and think twice before investing in crypto via your retirement account. Plus, tonight’s Jan. 6 committee hearings are this generation’s Watergate moment. Will you be watching? And, are UFOs real? NASA wants to find out.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Sens. Lummis and Gillibrand pumping up bitcoin on Twitter
“First Open Testimony Before January 6 Committee” from C-SPAN
Fourth Amendment | Resources | Constitution Annotated | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
“Supreme Court Makes Federal Officials ‘Absolutely Immunized’ From Personal Lawsuits” from Government Executive
“The Supreme Court gives lawsuit immunity to Border Patrol agents who violate the Constitution” from Vox
“NASA Starts a Scientific Study to Find Out if UFOs Exist” from Bloomberg
Fact Sheet: Biden Administration Announces Operational Plan for COVID-19 Vaccinations for Children Under 5 | The White House

We’d love to hear from you. Let us know what you think about today’s show or anything else that’s on your mind. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org and (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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A major stock index entered “bear” market territory recently. One of our listeners is wondering why we call it a “bear” or “bull” market and where those terms come from. We have some answers. Plus, more of your questions about gun manufacturing, the Federal Reserve and why the heck Mariah Carey is getting sued over her holiday hit “All I Want For Christmas Is You” almost 30 years after it was released?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Why we use animals to describe what’s going on with the stock market or economy” from Marketplace
The Gun Industry in America from The Center for American Progress
“President Biden calls for assault weapons ban and other measures to curb gun violence” from NPR
“Colt Says Its Decision to Stop Making AR-15 Rifles for Civilians Is Driven by Customers. Experts Aren’t So Sure” from TIME Magazine
“How Mariah Carey’s Christmas Hit Can Still Face a Copyright Lawsuit 30 Years Later” from Billboard

If you have a question you’d like us to find the answer to, send it our way. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org and (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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This country had a problem with housing before the pandemic. But it got real bananapants in the midst of it.

A large part of why we’re in this mess comes down to supply and demand. There’s just not enough homes to go around, which is driving up prices. Housing prices are up 20% from last year, and experts say we need up to 6.8 million units to meet demand.

So if it’s a supply problem, why can’t we just build more homes?

“Builders like to talk about the three L’s that go into housing: land, labor and lumber. And all of those things are harder to get. And more expensive,” said Amy Scott, a senior correspondent at Marketplace who covers housing.

On today’s show: Amy explains how we got here and why solving the housing shortage is a lot more complicated than it sounds.

In the News Fix, as the Jan. 6 committee prepares for public hearings this week, authorities continue to make arrests in connection with the attack on the Capitol. Plus, we’re talking stagflation.

Then, we’ll hear from an educator who is rethinking the teaching profession. And, who knew so many of you loved popcorn?!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“In addressing the housing shortage, we might need to rethink the way housing policy works” from Marketplace
“There’s never been such a severe shortage of homes in the U.S. Here’s why” from NPR
“The U.S. Housing Market Has Peaked” from The Atlantic
“Explainer: Hundreds charged with crimes in Capitol attack” from the Associated Press
Uvalde teacher speaks out from ABC News
“World Bank Warns of Stagflation Risk, Cuts Global Growth Forecast to 2.9%” from The Wall Street Journal

When you’re done listening, send us your answer to the “Make Me Smart” question. We’re at makemesmart@marketplace.org and (508) 827- 6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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There’s a lot competing for our attention these days, from the Jan. 6 committee hearings that get underway this week to the aftermath of the massacre in Uvalde, Texas. On the show today, we discuss whether our ability to turn away from seeing horrific images and witnessing history has a price. Plus, the Elon Musk-Twitter saga continues.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Trump on Trial: A Guide to the January 6 Hearings and the Question of Criminality” from the Brookings Institution
Opinion | “It’s Been 50 Years. I Am Not ‘Napalm Girl’ Anymore.” from The New York Times
Opinion | Nick Ut: I took the photo of Kim Phuc that helped end the Vietnam War. Photojournalism still matters today. from The Washington Post
“Publishing Photos of Dead Children Could Backfire” from The Atlantic
“Elon Musk Threatens to End Twitter Deal Over Lack of Information on Spam Accounts” from The Wall Street Journal
Is the Swedengate hospitality controversy real? Long ago, maybe. from The Washington Post
“Autonomous Mayflower Messes up Trip That Humans Successfully Completed Hundreds of Years Ago” from Jalopnik

Let us know what you think about today’s show. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or call us at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B- SMART.

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Move over, NRA. There’s a new gun rights group that’s spending more money on lobbying Congress. On the show today, we’re talking about the National Shooting Sports Foundation and its surprising connection to Kimberly’s neighborhood bar. Plus, more crypto scams, and a Texas teen wins the national spelling bee. C-o-n-g-r-a-t-u-l-a-t-i-o-n-s-!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Gun industry group in Connecticut outpaces NRA in lobbying, hopes to protect access to semi-automatic weapons” from WBUR
“New Analysis Finds Consumers Reported Losing More than $1 Billion in Cryptocurrency to Scams since 2021” from the Federal Trade Commission
“Fetterman says he ‘almost died’ after ignoring heart condition” from The Washington Post
Former Trump Adviser Charged With Contempt for Defying Jan. 6 Subpoena from The New York Times
“Texas teenager is the new champion of the Scripps National Spelling Bee” from NPR

When you’re done listening to the show, tell us what’s on your mind. Send us an email at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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We’re not huge celebrity news watchers, but we just couldn’t avoid the coverage of the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard defamation trial. This week, a jury sided with Depp and awarded him $15 million in damages. Today, we’ll unpack how the case played out on social media platforms and what it could mean for the future of the #MeToo movement. Plus, the baby formula shortage is still really bad. And Ukraine might be headed to the World Cup. Gooooal!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Amber Heard-Johnny Depp Trial: Survivors ‘Sickened’ by Verdict” from Rolling Stone
“Depp-Heard verdict will hold back #MeToo movement, advocates fear” from The Washington Post
“Monica Lewinsky’s Verdict on the Johnny Depp–Amber Heard Trial: We Are All Guilty” from Vanity Fair
“Why the Depp-Heard trial is so much worse than you realize” from Vox
“Baby Formula Shortage Worsens to 74% Out of Stock in US” from Bloomberg
“US Will Airlift Baby Formula From Abroad as Shortages Grow Worse” from The New York Times
“For Ukraine the World Cup looked unthinkable. Now they’re 1 game away after spirited win over Scotland” from ESPN
“Do Swedish People Feed Their Guests?” from The New York Times

What cultural norms have you become smart about? Email us makemesmart@marketplace.org or call us at 508-827-6278 or 508-U-B-SMART.

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Regular listeners of this podcast might recall an episode we did a few years back on Modern Monetary Theory. MMT is the economic theory that basically says a country that controls its own currency can’t go broke because it can always print more money. But with inflation at 8.3%, one listener is wondering whether rising prices disproves MMT. We call the expert on MMT to find out. Plus, we take your questions about how canceling student loan debt might affect the wealth gap, using a single world currency and the economic consequences if part of Oregon really secede to Idaho.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Our episode on Modern Monetary Theory
“Ever heard of modern monetary theory?” from Marketplace
“Who would benefit the most from student debt relief?” from Marketplace
“One World, One Currency: Could It Work?” from Investopedia
“Greater Idaho proposal faces friction in early results Tuesday” from Oregon Public Radio

If you have a question for our hosts, email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at (508) 827-6278 or (508) U-B-SMART.

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After the massacre in Uvalde, Texas, it’s easy to feel discouraged about guns in America because we’ve been here before, and little has changed.

But one person who remains hopeful in times like these is Dr. Garen Wintemute. He heads the Violence Prevention Research Program at the University of California, Davis, and has been studying gun violence for decades.

“Violence is a health problem,” he said. “It kills more people than motor vehicle injuries. And, yes, I’m constitutionally hopeful. But my hope is born out of having done this for 40 years.”

On the show today, Wintemute walks us through some of the policies that could make a real difference, from “red flag” laws to universal background checks, and discusses why this time could be different despite the gun control gridlock in Washington.

In the News Fix, the nation’s highest court is going to great lengths to find the person who leaked the draft opinion on overturning Roe v. Wade. Plus, if you’re tired of paying high gasoline prices, get used to it. We’ll explain why.

Then, listeners sound off on Uvalde, and we all get smart about bourbon!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Heavily outspent, gun control groups still press their case” from Marketplace
“The two paths Congress could take on gun control” from Vox
“Meet the Doctor Who Gave $1 Million of His Own Money to Keep His Gun Research Going” from ProPublica
“What research shows on the effectiveness of gun-control laws” from The Washington Post
“Exclusive: Supreme Court leak investigation heats up as clerks are asked for phone records in unprecedented move” from CNN
EU’s Ban on Russian Oil Adds Stress to Region’s Economies from The Wall Street Journal

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At the end of a long week, it’s Friday. We talk about what changed then-President Donald Trump’s mind following his call for gun control after a shooter killed 23 people at an El Paso, Texas, Walmart. Plus, baseball teams use their social media platforms to speak out about gun violence. Before we go, our hosts ponder sharks, farmyard pets and more in a game of This or That.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Update on a possible outburst of meteors” from Sky & Telescope
“After El Paso shooting, Trump pushed again on gun control. His aides talked him out of it.” from The New York Times
“The Night the Yankees and Rays Didn’t Stick to Sports” from The Wall Street Journal
“Undersea ‘sharkcano’ eruption captured in spectacular satellite images” from Live Science

Tell us what you think about today’s show. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at 508-827-6278, or 508-U-B-SMART.

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In today’s show, we’re talking about the aftermath of the massacre at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. As further details emerge, law enforcement’s response during the shooting is raising questions. We’ll be watching for more information about the timeline of events. Plus, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says he’s open to working with Democrats to address gun violence. But the Senate is adjourned for a week in observance of Memorial Day. Finally, we get a much-needed smile out of an interesting idiom.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Uvalde Shooter Fired Outside School for 12 Minutes Before Entering” from The Wall Street Journal
“Uvalde Live Updates: Police Defend Response to School Massacre” from The New York Times
“‘Show Us the Carnage’” from Breaking the News
The U.S. Senate adjourns from Burgess Everett on Twitter
“Exclusive: McConnell says he has directed Cornyn to engage with Democrats on a ‘bipartisan solution’ on gun violence” from CNN
Tragic news about one shooting victim’s family from Twitter
“Bill making abortion illegal starting at conception signed by Oklahoma governor” from Tulsa World

Join us Friday for Economics on Tap. We’ll be livestreaming on YouTube starting at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

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The country is reeling from yet another mass shooting. A gunman stormed an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, yesterday, killing 19 children and two adults. We’re shifting from our usual Wednesday show because all we can ask is: “How are we here again?” The answers are not satisfying.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The Supreme Court Just Gutted Another Constitutional Right” from Slate
“Supreme court guts lifeline for prisoners who claim wrongful convictions” from The Guardian
Sixth Amendment text from Cornell Law School
Second Amendment text from Cornell Law School
“His Name Is George Floyd: One Man’s Life and the Struggle for Racial Justice” book excerpt from The Washington Post
“Ten days after Tops mass shooting, Buffalo reacts to Texas school shooting” from WBKW Buffalo
“Hundreds seek mental health counseling after Buffalo mass shooting” from Spectrum News 1
“Anger, anguish among Parkland and Newtown families after Texas shooting” from The Washington Post

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Remember the Supreme Court case we talked about last week, Federal Election Commission v. Ted Cruz for Senate? Yeah, we’re doing a deep dive on it today.

At the heart of the case is an obscure campaign finance rule that limits the amount of post-election day contributions that can be used to recoup personal loans a candidate makes to their campaign. It was intended to crack down on corruption. But the court sided with Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, and said the law is unconstitutional on First Amendment grounds.

On the show today, Weiner talks about what this means for the midterm elections, the future of campaign finance and this court’s approach to the First Amendment.

Then, sales of new homes fell to the lowest level since the start of the pandemic. We’ll explain why this is exactly what we’d expect to be happening in the economy right now.

Plus, if you’ve forgotten some of the faces you’ve met over Zoom during the last two years, you’re not alone. Listeners have a name for that phenomenon. We’ll also get smart about lifetime warranties and bear spray!

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It’s Monday, and we’ve got a lot of news on our minds. We’ll talk about President Joe Biden’s comments about Taiwan and what Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank, has to say about crypto. Then we’re diving into some recent writing about the scale at which the United States funds its military, even as we’ve withdrawn from active conflict in Afghanistan. How that money is spent, and isn’t spent, says a lot. Plus, Texas lawmakers may target business that help employees get abortions. Finally, we’ll consider some pointedly phrased communications for our make me smiles.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Lagarde Says Crypto Is ‘Worth Nothing’ and Should Be Regulated” from Bloomberg
“Biden: US would intervene with military to defend Taiwan” from the Associated Press
Taiwan Relations Act
“No Way Out but War” from the Chris Hedges Report
“Four Ways to Understand the $54 Billion in U.S. Spending on Ukraine” from The New York Times
“CBO Releases an Improved Interactive Tool for Analyzing the Military’s Forces and Resources” from the Congressional Budget Office
“Businesses that help employees get abortions could be next target of Texas lawmakers if Roe v. Wade is overturned” from The Texas Tribune
Bear spray is not like bug spray from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s Twitter
A judge has this to say about a Jan. 6 defendant’s request to travel from BuzzFeed reporter Zoe Tillman on Twitter

Your donation powers the journalism you rely on. Give today to support “Make Me Smart.”

Have a question or comment about something you heard on the show? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at 508-827-6278, or 508-U-B-SMART.

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It’s Friday, and the S&P 500 is at risk of becoming what economists call a bear market — when stock prices fall for a prolonged time. But how bad is that, actually? We’ve got some context. Plus, the Law School Admissions Test may become optional, and our hosts share their thoughts on the strong dollar and a pizza musical. We end with a round of Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The S&P 500 narrowly averts a bear market. How long do they last once they arrive?” from MarketWatch
“No LSAT Required? Law School Admissions Tests Could Be Optional Under New Proposal” from The Wall Street Journal
“Archbishop: Pelosi will be denied communion over abortion” from AP News
“Tesla’s Removal From S&P Index Sparks Debate About ESG Ratings” from Bloomberg
“New York Now Has More Airbnb Listings Than Apartments for Rent” from Curbed
“What does a strong dollar mean for the U.S. and world economies?” from Marketplace
“In This Economy, Getting Fired Takes Hard Work” from The Wall Street Journal
“Dolly Parton Joins the Star-Studded Cast of Taco Bell’s Tik Tok Musical, ‘Mexican Pizza’” from Taste of Country

Tell us what you think about today’s show. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at 508-827-6278, or 508-U-B-SMART.

Your donation powers the journalism you rely on. Give today to support “Make Me Smart.”

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This Thursday, we talk about the news that home sales slowed in April, though prices still set records. And, the Joe Biden administration tries to increase the supply of baby formula using the Defense Production Act. It’s a welcome help to parents, but how did we get here? Plus, more stories from Ukraine that show the toll of the war. We’ll see you tomorrow for Economics on Tap, but before then, we share what geopolitical alliances and beer have in common.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Biden invokes Defense Production Act to increase supply of U.S. infant formula” from Politico
“U.S. Home Sales Cool Amid Higher Rates, Record Prices” from The Wall Street Journal
“Captive medic’s bodycam shows firsthand horror of Mariupol” from AP News
“Russian soldier asks Ukrainian widow to forgive him during first war crimes trial” from The Guardian
“Finland brewery launches NATO beer with ‘taste of security’” from AP News

Your donation powers the journalism you rely on. Give today to support “Make Me Smart.”

Join us Friday for Economics on Tap. We’ll be livestreaming on YouTube starting at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

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It’s Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday, and Kai Ryssdal and Kimberly Adams are answering your questions, including one from a listener who wonders what the Fed reducing its balance sheet means for mortgage rates. We also dig into what it takes to harness tidal power, and why it’s not a bigger source of renewable energy.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“To understand the Fed’s bond-buying dilemma, picture a lake” from Marketplace
“Hamsterkauf! Coronazeit! There’s a German Word for Your Pandemic Experience” from Slate

Do you have a question for Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday? Send a voice memo or email to makemesmart@marketplace.org, or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART (508-827-6278).

Your donation powers the journalism you rely on. Give today to support “Make Me Smart.”

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Cryptocurrency has been having a rough couple of months lately. From bitcoin to ethereum and Coinbase, hundreds of billions of dollars have evaporated in crypto markets. But things got really bad last week, after a coin that’s supposed to be stable turned out not to be.

All this is having consequences. People who jumped into crypto during the pandemic, amid the rising visibility of celebrity endorsements and crypto influencers on TikTok, are losing real money.

On the show today, Ramaswamy explains what’s behind the crash and what it means for the future of cryptocurrencies. We’ll also provide a mini-explainer on “stablecoins.”

Later, good news about little kids and COVID vaccines, and will Russia and the West break up their energy relationship?

Plus, “Make Me Smart” fan art, and why you may be wrong about fly-fishing!

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This Monday, we talk about the racist mass shooting in Buffalo, New York, over the weekend. It’s devastated the town’s predominantly Black community in multiple ways, including its central food supply. As the nation processes the tragedy, it’s critical to call it what is: a white supremacist act. We also discuss the baby formula shortage and the consequences of a Supreme Court ruling on campaign finance laws.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Baby formula production is still several weeks out from Heather Long on Twitter
One key chart on the baby formula shortage from Emily Peck on Twitter
Third round of free COVID-19 test kits are available
“Nearly half of Republicans agree with ‘great replacement theory’” from The Washington Post
“It’s time to call white supremacy by its name” from Andscape
“Court sides with Ted Cruz and strikes down campaign-finance restriction along ideological lines” from SCOTUSblog
“The Supreme Court Makes Ted Cruz A Half-Million Dollars Richer” from HuffPost

Your donation powers the journalism you rely on. Give today to support “Make Me Smart.”

Have a question or comment about something you heard on the show? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at 508-827-6278, or 508-U-B-SMART.

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For today’s Economics on Tap, we talk about a sneaky way campaigns are communicating with super PACS. Coordination between these big-time political action committees and campaigns is illegal, but a new practice called redboxing seems like a loophole. We’ll talk about it. Plus, we discuss the debate about facial recognition technology and follow up on a conversation we had yesterday about the news on sudden infant death syndrome. Before we leave, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty, featuring a piece of portable music history.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Voters Need to Know What ‘Redboxing’ Is and How It Undermines Democracy” from Campaign Legal Center
“Enzyme in babies’ blood linked to risk of sudden infant death syndrome” from The Guardian
“U.S. cities are backing off banning facial recognition as crime rises” from Reuters
“Why Fed might not be too upset when stocks fall” from Marketplace
“Facebook reportedly already running out of money for Metaverse” from Futurism
“Has collective bargaining come to Congress?” from Marketplace
“End of an Era: Apple Discontinues Its Last iPod Model” from Bloomberg
“Heinz working on paper ketchup bottle” from Axios

Tell us what you think about today’s show. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at 508-827-6278, or 508-U-B-SMART.

Your donation powers the journalism you rely on. Give today to support “Make Me Smart.”

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Today, instead of guessing what Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is thinking, we asked. Our hosts talk about the newsiest and funniest parts of Kai’s interview with the Fed chairman. Plus, a scientific revelation about sudden infant death syndrome may provide some peace for parents. And, speaking of incredible science, we marvel at mind-blowing new pictures of the black hole at the center of the Milky Way.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Fed Chair Jerome Powell: ‘Whether we can execute a soft landing or not, it may actually depend on factors that we don’t control.’” from Marketplace
“Researchers Pinpoint Reason Infants Die From SIDS” from BioSpace
“World first breakthrough could prevent SIDS” from the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network
“Black hole: First picture of Milky Way monster” from BBC News
“Astronomers reveal first image of the black hole at the heart of our galaxy” from Event Horizon Telescope
“Sagittarius A*: NASA Telescopes Support Event Horizon Telescope in Studying Milky Way’s Black Hole” from NASA

Your donation powers the journalism you rely on. Give today to support “Make Me Smart.”

Join us Friday for Economics on Tap. We’ll be livestreaming on YouTube starting at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

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It’s Wednesday again, and we’re answering your questions about the labor market — like why we don’t aim for 100% employment. We’ll also give some extra context around the idea of a “skills gap” in our economy. And Kai Ryssdal and Kimberly Adams dig into a bunch of questions from one listener related to the logistics of owning an electric vehicle.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“How the U.S. Health Insurance System Excludes Abortion” from the Center for American Progress
The Guttmacher Institute’s tracker on state regulation of insurance coverage for abortion
“Funds that help low-income people pay for abortions are seeing a sharp uptick in donations” from Marketplace
“There’s a lot of money on both sides of the abortion debate. How much does it matter?” from Marketplace
Consumer Reports’ research on electric vehicle maintenance costs
“Cars Are Going Electric. What Happens to the Used Batteries?” from Wired
University of California, Davis, researchers’ look at transportation costs for recycling old EV batteries
“Hamsterkauf! Coronazeit! There’s a German Word for Your Pandemic Experience.” from Slate

Do you have a question for Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday? Send a voice memo or email to makemesmart@marketplace.org, or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART (508-827-6278).

Your donation powers the journalism you rely on. Give today to support “Make Me Smart.”

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As we often say on the show, immigration is a labor market story. Since last month, when the Joe Biden administration announced plans to lift Title 42, it’s been the immigration story of the moment. On today’s show, Denise Gilman, director of the immigration clinic and law professor at the University of Texas at Austin, explains how Title 42 was used at the start of the pandemic and what’s next for it.

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Today we talk about a potential win for privacy advocates, as facial recognition company Clearview AI reaches a settlement with the American Civil Liberties Union. But we still have questions. Another new story with a lot of questions? Crypto, of course. We’re still skeptical about the stability of cryptocurrency, but that hasn’t stopped investors and others from jumping right in. We’ll discuss what has us … a little nervous.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Authorities find human remains in Lake Mead twice in one week” from NPR
“Cryptocurrency TerraUSD Falls Below Fixed Value, Triggering Selloff” from The Wall St Journal
“40% of bitcoin investors are now underwater, new data shows” from CNBC
“Clearview AI agrees to permanent ban on selling facial recognition to private companies” from The Verge
“Opinion — Chris Murphy’s urgent abortion warning reveals a hidden GOP threat” from The Washington Post
Trevor Noah’s discussion of billionaires on “The Daily Show”
Tom House Is (Still) Reinventing Pitching With Mustard App from The New York Times

Your donation powers the journalism you rely on. Give today to support “Make Me Smart.”

Have a question or comment about something you heard on the show? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at 508-827-6278, or 508-U-B-SMART.

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Today during Economics on Tap, we’re low-key celebrating this weekend’s Kentucky Derby and venting a little about the journalists and political figures who withheld critical information and news, only to finally reveal it in their books. For profit. Former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper revealed in his soon-to-be-released memoir that, two years ago, then-President Donald Trump considered launching missiles into Mexico. In surprisingly less scary news, “Little Shop of Horrors” is celebrating its Broadway revival with festivities. Before we head into Kentucky Derby weekend, we go Half Full/Half Empty on coin collecting, children at work and more.

“Trump Proposed Launching Missiles Into Mexico to ‘Destroy the Drug Labs,’ Esper Says” from The New York Times
“Little Shop of Horrors Will Celebrate 40th Anniversary With Block Party, Concert, More” from Playbill
“Little Shop of Horrors: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert” from NPR
“How Buy Now, Pay Later is changing how consumers think about travel” from Fast Company
“What the Fed’s rate hike means for one community bank” from Marketplace
“Coin collecting is big business on social media” from Marketplace
“It’s time for a non-white host of ‘The Late Late Show’. Here’s our critic’s shortlist” from NPR
“After years of working from home, how has Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day evolved?” from Marketplace

Tell us what you think about today’s show. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at 508-827-6278, or 508-U-B-SMART.

Your donation powers the journalism you rely on. Give today to support “Make Me Smart.”

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We’ll start today’s show with a little pep talk about what you should and shouldn’t do if you caught a glance at the stock market today. Then we move on to one of the big business stories of the day, the news that Boeing is moving its headquarters from Chicago to the D.C. area. To understand why, you just gotta follow the money. Plus, the U.S. says it’ll give Sweden support as that country looks to join NATO. Finally, free child care and a beautiful canoe make us smile. To celebrate the upcoming Kentucky Derby, bring your mint juleps and fanciest hats to Economics on Tap tomorrow.

“Boeing Plans to Move Headquarters to Arlington, Va., From Chicago” from The Wall Street Journal
Jon Ostrower’s tweet on Boeing
“Stocks Crater as Fed-Policy Jitters Rock Trading: Markets Wrap” from Bloomberg
“Sweden says it received U.S. security assurances if it hands in NATO application” from Reuters
“When a Beautiful Boat Becomes the Emblem of an Unlived Life” from Gotham Canoe
“New Mexico to offer a year of free child care to most residents” from The Washington Post

Your donation powers the journalism you rely on. Give today to support Make Me Smart.

Join us Friday for Economics on Tap. We’ll be livestreaming on YouTube starting at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

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It’s the day we answer your questions and to start, one listener wants to know why Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell is still raising interest rates if inflation has peaked. We’ll also answer an urgent question about the blockchain and supply chains from a listener with a term paper deadline looming. Plus, a question about Airbnb and rents, and why doesn’t the U.S. electrify its railways? Finally, we end with a sci-fi recommendation on this Star Wars Day. May the fourth be with you.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Has inflation reached a peak? Three sings that prices could soon come down” from CNN
“Blockchain: A better way to track pork chops, bonds, bad peanut butter?” from The New York Times
“Major container shippers Hapag-Lloyd, ONE integrate with TradeLens blockchain” from Ledger Insights
“Study finds Airbnb units expand market but reduce long-term rentals, including affordable housing” from Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business

Do you have a question for Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday? Send a voice memo or email to makemesmart@marketplace.org, or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART (508-827-6278).

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If you’re a regular listener to this program, you’ve probably heard of the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate: price stability and maximum employment.

But in the summer of 2020, the Fed made a little tweak. It added the words “broad-based” and “inclusive” to the employment part of the mandate, acknowledging the benefits a strong economy brings to low- and moderate-income communities. This is significant because for decades the Black unemployment rate has been double the rate for white workers in this country.

So, the Fed started “running the economy hot” longer to try to close that gap. But the central bank has begun a campaign of raising interest rates to cool the economy because inflation is here. What now?

On the show today, William Spriggs, a professor of economics at Howard University and chief economist at the AFL-CIO, explains why the Fed’s approach to closing the unemployment gap hasn’t worked and what can reallybe done to fix it.

Then, the hosts will talk about the big story of the day: the draft Roe v. Wade decision and what overturning the 1973 ruling might mean for the health and economics of women, especially poor women, in this country.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The Fed wants to slow down the economy. It risks leaving Black workers behind” from Fortune
“Interest rate hikes will hurt Black Americans the most” from Quartz
“Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic: “Everything is just taking longer than I would have expected going in.” from Marketplace
“Supreme Court has voted to overturn abortion rights, draft opinion shows” from Politico
ICYMI: “Reproductive rights are economic rights” “Make Me Smart” episode with economist Caitlin Myers

We’re looking for your answer to the Make Me Smart question: What is something you thought you knew that you later found out you were wrong about? Leave us a voice message at 508-827-6278 or 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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In today’s show, we flag one economic benchmark investors are watching, then dive into some recent stories that highlight the unequal ways the U.S. grants immigrant and refugee status. Don’t forget, what happens at the border impacts our labor force. Speaking of work, employees nationwide are voting on unionization. Finally, a new study validates dog owners’ premonitions about their special pups and makes us smile.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“10-Year Treasury Yield Hits 3% for First Time Since 2018” from The Wall Street Journal
“Amazon Workers Reject Union in New York After Labor Victory at Separate Facility” from The Wall Street Journal
“Biden to comply with forthcoming order to keep Covid border restrictions in place” from Politico
“Afghans subject to stricter rules than Ukrainian refugees, advocates say” from NBC News
“Your dog’s personality may have little to do with its breed” from AP News

Have a question or comment about something you heard on the show? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at 508-827-6278, or 508-U-B-SMART.

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We’re keeping an eye on Tesla after Elon Musk reached a deal to buy Twitter earlier this week. Musk has sold roughly $8.5 billion worth of Tesla shares in the last couple of days. We’ll get a little into the weeds about the dynamics playing out as the Twitter deal closes. Plus, the fallout after the Jan. 6 insurrection continues — we’ll update you on what’s happening in the courts. And a COVID-19 vaccine for young kids may be on the way. Then, the hosts play a round of Half Full/Half Empty. Finally, a big thank you to producer Marque Greene for all his hard work as he wraps up his stint on “Make Me Smart.” But don’t worry, he’s not going far.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Second Oath Keeper pleads to seditious conspiracy” from Politico
“CNN Exclusive: New text messages reveal Fox’s Hannity advising Trump White House and seeking direction” from CNN
“Elon Musk Sells $8.5 Billion of Tesla Shares After Deal to Buy Twitter” from The Wall Street Journal
“The Risks of a New U.S. Approach in Ukraine” from “The Daily”
“Moderna asks FDA to authorize first COVID-19 vaccine for very young children” from NPR

Tell us what you think about today’s show. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at 508-827-6278, or 508-U-B-SMART.

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Some days the news can really throw you for a loop, and this Thursday is one of them. President Joe Biden has asked Congress for an additional $33 billion to help Ukraine. The call for more funds comes as reports that Russia’s revenue from energy sales has almost doubled since it launched the war on its neighbor. We’ll look at why Russia continues to benefit despite the numerous sanctions levied against it. There’s also a hard conversation about the measures climate activists have taken in hopes of speeding up our response to the global climate crisis. And we do our best to bring you back up as we end things with a couple of Make Me Smiles.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, anxiety or depression, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text the Crisis Text Line at 741741.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

Biden Asks Congress for $33 Billion to Help Ukraine War Effort from The New York Times
“Russia Nearly Doubled Its Income From Energy Sales To The EU During Wartime, Study Shows” from Radio Free Europe
Why Wynn Bruce, climate activist, set himself on fire at Supreme Court” from The Washington Post
“Climate Scientists Chained Themselves To A Downtown Bank’s Doors In An Act Of Peaceful Protest. Police In Riot Gear Shut It Down” from LAist
Mehdi Hasan’s video featuring the climate activists on “Good Morning Britain”
“NASA’s Webb In Full Focus, Ready for Instrument Commissioning” from NASA
“Duckin’ Autocorrect: The Inventor of iPhone’s Autocorrect Explains How It Works” from The Wall Street Journal

Join us Friday for Economics on Tap. We’ll be livestreaming on YouTube starting at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

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This Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday, Kai and Kimberly are tackling your questions about the supply chain — from how we could look at shortages and backlogs as pandemic indicators to why it seems like processed foods are less likely to sell out at the grocery store. And we’ll make you smart fast on Elon Musk’s plan to purchase Twitter.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Twitter says mass deactivations after Musk news were ‘organic’” from NBC News
“Materials and labor shortages continue to complicate construction industry” from Marketplace
The Pew Research Center’s data on social media use

Do you have a question for Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday? Send a voice memo or email to makemesmart@marketplace.org, or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART (508-827-6278).

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If you drive around suburbia these days, you might come across entire communities of newly constructed homes with all the amenities of an apartment. But these aren’t your average tract homes. These are subdivisions made exclusively for renters instead of homeowners.

It’s all part of the build-to-rent trend, one of the fastest growing sectors in the housing industry.

On today’s show, we’ll talk about the build-to-rent trend and what it means for the housing market, homeownership and building generational wealth in this country.

For today’s Newsfix, we’re sticking with the housing theme. Amy Scott, our housing correspondent, talks about her biggest takeaways from the latest S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index. It’s wild! Plus, what the heck is going on with Twitter’s stock?

Then, we’ll hear from listeners about taxes, Taco Bell and dinosaurs!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The Market for Single-Family Rentals Grows as Homeownership Wanes” from The New York Times
“Home Builders Bypassing Individual Home Buyers for Deep-Pocketed Investors” from The Wall Street Journal
“Corporate investors spending billions in real estate” from Marketplace
Home prices jumped nearly 20% in February
“Tesla Stock Sinks After Twitter Deal” from The Wall Street Journal

We’re still taking questions for Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday. You can submit yours at makemesmart@marketplace.org or (508) 827-6278, also conveniently known as 508-UB-SMART.

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Plenty of things to make us go huh on this Monday edition of Make Me Smart. Of course, there’s the news surrounding billionaire Elon Musk, who’s very real offer to purchase Twitter was accepted by the company’s board of directors today. We’ll get to that after we talk about a dip in global oil demand following the wave of lockdowns across China as that country deals with new COVID-19 outbreaks. We’ll end the show with a couple of Make Me Smiles, including one about a small town jumping through hoops for recognition.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“China’s Oil Demand Is Tumbling the Most Since Wuhan Lockdown” from Bloomberg
For a firsthand look at the lockdown in Shanghai, follow Marketplace’s Jennifer Pak on Instagram
“Musk’s Boring Company to begin ‘full-scale’ hyperloop testing this year” from TechCrunch
“After years of failure, Elon Musk’s Boring Company claims it will finally test a full-scale hyperloop this year” from Fortune
“Fed’s Powell to Hold First In-Person Press Conference of Pandemic Next Week” from Bloomberg
“Welcome to Herkimer, N.Y., the (other) birthplace of basketball” from The Washington Post

Have a question or comment about something you heard on the show? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at 508-827-6278 or 508-U-B-SMART.

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Today on Economics on Tap, we’re talking about the Biden administration’s plan to make Paxlovid, Pfizer’s COVID-19 antiviral pill, available in pharmacies across the United States. It might be easier said than done. Plus, Iran has tolerated economic sanctions for decades. Will the same hold true for Russia? We’ll also discuss the speedy demise of CNN+ and Google’s time-lapsed images showing the effects of climate change. We end with a round of Half Full/Half Empty. Today’s categories: Netflix (with ads!), a slowed-down U.S. Postal Service, Earth Day, national parks reservation systems and the return of Taco Bell’s Mexican pizza.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Earth Day 2022” from Google
“Pfizer Paxlovid Covid Pill Will Soon Be Available Across the US in Biden Plan” from Bloomberg
“Iran Shows Why Sanctioning Russia Won’t Stop Putin’s War in Ukraine” from Foreign Policy
“CNN+ Streaming Service Will Shut Down Weeks After Its Start” from The New York Times
“Streaming services are embracing cheaper, ad-supported tiers” from Marketplace
“USPS slowing first-class package delivery to lower costs” from The Hill
“Trash or Recycling? Why Plastic Keeps Us Guessing” from The New York Times
“Reservation systems may be here to stay at popular national parks” from Marketplace
“Taco Bell is bringing back the Mexican pizza — and South Asians are rejoicing” from NPR

Tell us what you think about today’s show. Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at 508-827-6278, or 508-U-B-SMART.

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Some publicly traded corporations reported strong earnings today, despite inflation and supply chain shortages. This left consumers to foot the bill for rising prices. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve is walking a fine line during a critical time. We talk about a key indicator we’ll be watching to gauge the economy’s health. We’ll leave you with some wicked humor from Capitalism herself and fictional pairings we’d like to see (Hamlet, meet the Ghost Busters).

“Fed’s Powell, half-point hike in view, completes hawkish pivot” from Reuters
“Fed’s Powell Puts Half-Point Rate Hike on the Table for May” from Barron’s
“Netflix’s collapse is a warning sign for stocks” from CNN
“Nestle CEO says growth target conservative, margin more challenging” from Reuters
“Big companies manage to pass on soaring costs to cash-strapped consumers” from Reuters
If Peter Rabbit met Merry and Pippin …
(Note: Contains some vulgar slang) @tessplease on capitalism

Join us Friday for Economics on Tap. We’ll be livestreaming on YouTube starting at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

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It’s Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday, that time of the week when our hosts answer your questions! We’ll start with a couple of questions about the Fed’s interest rate policy. One listener asks why a jump in mortgage rates doesn’t seem to be in line with the central bank’s single rate hike, and another wonders why banks and credit card companies don’t raise their own interest rates instead of waiting for the Fed. We’ll also follow up with yesterday’s guest for a question about refugee placement in the United States, and explain how Elon Musk made it to the top rank of the world’s richest people.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“What the Fed’s move could mean for mortgage interest rates” from Marketplace
“How Banks Set Interest Rates on Your Loans” from Investopedia
“Tesla’s Elon Musk drives past Jeff Bezos in Forbes’ list of billionaires” from Sky News
Elon Musk’s immense wealth — from emeralds to PayPal, SpaceX and Tesla from The Independent

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The U.S. has a long history of resettling refugees who are fleeing war and persecution. The current program goes back to the ’80s, after the Vietnam War.

Today, as the Joe Biden administration prepares to welcome 100,000 refugees from Ukraine, we’re wondering what happens to an economy when refugees become part of it.

On the show today: the costs associated with refugee resettlement along with the contributions refugees make to our economy and why arguments about their being a drag on the labor force are overblown.

In the News Fix, we’ll talk about why investment firm Blackstone is betting on student housing, even after a couple of years of remote learning. Plus, the story behind right-wing social media account Libs of TikTok.

And later, a rooster makes a cameo on the show (see if you can spot it), and Kai and Amy give a listener career advice.

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Today is Tax Day, the deadline for filing taxes (or an extension, gulp). To mark the occasion, the Treasury Department called on Congress to relieve some of the pressure on an underfunded, understaffed and ill-equipped IRS. Tens of millions of Americans are waiting for their tax returns to be processed … from the last year. We’ll also discuss speculation about how big the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate hike might be. And a gentle reminder following a federal judge’s ruling striking down the CDC’s public transportation mask mandate: Don’t be a jerk. We wrap up with some Make Me Smiles about accessing banned books and a story about an interstellar visitor.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Mask Mandate Overturned for Planes, Public Transportation by Florida Judge” from Bloomberg
“Fed’s James Bullard Says 75 Basis-Point Rate Hike Could Be Option If Needed” from Bloomberg
“Tax Day is an ‘inflection point’ after challenging season, Treasury official says” from MSN
“The IRS doesn’t have what they need to serve Americans well — Congress can help” from the Treasury Department
“Military Memo Adds to Possible Interstellar Meteor Mystery” from The New York Times
Bloomberg reporter Matt Levine’s tweet about Twitter’s poison pill
“Brooklyn Library Offers Access to Banned eBooks to Teens Across the U.S.” from Bookriot

Do you have a story about a delayed return from the IRS? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at 508-827-6278, or 508-U-B-SMART.

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One side effect of the current labor market: Workers are less likely to get laid off. That might not be so great for those of us with toxic bosses and co-workers. Speaking of toxic, Twitter launched a “poison pill” strategy to fend off Elon Musk’s bid to buy the company. We also talk about filing taxes and four-day workweeks. We close out today’s Economics on Tap with a round of Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Twitter Counters a Musk Takeover With a Plan to Thwart the Bid” from The New York Times
“Odds of Getting Laid Off Are at Historic Lows in Tightest Labor Market in 50 Years” from The Wall Street Journal
“California Considers the Four-Day Workweek” from The Wall Street Journal
“Here are some last-minute tips as the April 18 tax filing deadline approaches” from CNBC News
“File your taxes on time. Here’s what you should know about your refund” from NPR Life Kit
“Crypto for kids?” from Marketplace
“Pickleball is growing fast, with pros, prize money and business opportunities” from Marketplace
“Spirit Halloween Store Film in the Works Starring Christopher Lloyd, Rachael Leigh Cook” from Variety
“Krispy Kreme ties doughnut prices to average gas price on Wednesdays to offer inflation relief” from USA Today

Got a question for the hosts? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at 508-827-6278, or 508-U-B-SMART.

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The European Union is trying to end its dependence on Russian oil — but that may be costly and complicated. This Thursday, we talk about how Western countries are pressing Russia to terminate its war in Ukraine while minding their own energy supplies. Plus, China is watching. And earlier this week, we mused that Twitter-famous billionaire Elon Musk could probably just buy the company if he wanted to. He revealed today that he made an offer. Does Musk listen to “Make Me Smart”? Finally, we share signs of spring that made us smile.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Europe starts drafting ban on Russian oil imports from The New York Times
“Germany faces $240 billion hit if Russian gas is cut off” from CNN
“German Gas Reserves Can Last Until Late Summer, Says Regulator” from VOA News
“Musk Hints at Twitter Plan B, Lambastes SEC Over Settlement” from Bloomberg

Join us Friday for Economics on Tap. We’ll be livestreaming on YouTube starting at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

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The strength of Russia’s ruble even in the face of sanctions from the West has surprised some. This Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday, we’ll get into some of the ways Russia’s worked to prop up its currency, and how long those actions might work. We’ll also tackle your questions about shift work and health, the worker shortage and taxes.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Russia’s ruble rebound raises questions of sanctions’ impact” from the Associated Press
“How Russia rescued the ruble” from Planet Money
“Can the U.S. really reduce the Russian ruble to rubble?” from NBC News
Janet Nguyen’s reporting on The Night Shift for Marketplace
“Recent News about Night Shift Work and Cancer: What Does it Mean for Workers?” from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
“Night Shift Work Linked to Infertility in Women” from Fertility Science
“The night shift is back as Americans work overtime to clear backlogs” from News7H
“Omicron worries could keep some workers out of labor force” from Marketplace
“Early Retirement During Covid vs Social Security Data Puzzle US Economists” from Bloomberg

Do you have a question for Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday? Send a voice memo or email to makemesmart@marketplace.org, or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART (508-827-6278).

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Government leaders all over the world are taking a hard look at cryptocurrencies.

El Salvador made bitcoin a national currency last year. Cryptocurrency investors continue to move to Puerto Rico for its tax incentives. And Miami and New York are in a race to become the nation’s crypto capital.

Supporters believe crypto could be a way to drive economic growth and address income inequality and a host of other issues. But how likely is that?

“Right now, there are far better technology or even policy solutions to address the issues local leaders claim to want to address,” said Tonantzin Carmona, a fellow at The Brookings Institution. “Lawmakers do not, for example, need cryptocurrencies to address issues of financial inclusion, equity or wealth inequality. They need political will.”

Carmona is skeptical that cryptocurrencies could solve a city’s problems.

On an abbreviated show today (sorry, technical difficulties!), we’ll discuss why that is and the lessons we can learn from places that have already laid out the welcome mat for crypto business ventures.

Plus, the Joe Biden administration announced plans today to suspend a ban on selling higher-ethanol E15 gas between June 1 and Sept. 15 in an effort to bring down gas prices. We’ll explain why the move might be shortsighted and what it’s doing to corn futures. Also, the subway shooting in Brooklyn is making our fill-in host rethink plans to go back to the office.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Mayors: Cryptocurrency won’t solve your cities’ problems” from The Brookings Institution
“Is crypto good for cities?” from Tech Monitor
“Tax Breaks Are Driving a Rush to Buy Property in Puerto Rico” from The New York Times
“Biden will allow summertime sales of higher-ethanol gas as prices remain elevated.” also from NYT
“Power restored in Puerto Rico nearly 5 days after blackout” from The Associated Press
Live updates: Multiple shot in a Brooklyn subway station from CNN

We want your answers to the Make Me Smart question. Send us an email at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at 508-827-6278, or 508-U-B-SMART.

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A month after lifting its mask mandate, Philadelphia is reinstating indoor mask requirements beginning next week as COVID-19 cases there rise. It will be the first major U.S. city to bring back a mask mandate. Other cities might not be far behind. Then, Elon Musk won’t be joining Twitter’s board of directors after all. We’ll discuss what it means for him to stay on the outside of the the social media platform. Plus, a group of Etsy sellers are going on strike to protest a fee hike. It sparks a discussion about the struggles of being a small business owner. To wrap things up, we’ll take you under the sea for a couple of Make Me Smiles.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Over 14,000 Etsy sellers are going on strike to protest increased transaction fees” from TechCrunch
“Kmart demise 2022: former retail giant is now just 3 stores away from extinction in US” from Fortune
This article on the world’s last Blockbuster from last year
“Philadelphia Revives Mask Mandate, Breaking With Big-City Peers” from Bloomberg
“In major reversal, Elon Musk is not joining Twitter board” from TechCrunch
Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal’s company letter regarding Elon Musk
An Instagram post that’s an ode to the Little Mermaid!
This bop about the risks of cooking salmon!

Have a story or an article you’d like to recommend to your fellow “Make Me Smart” listeners and newsletter readers? Share it with us via email at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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Alabama’s governor signed two bills into law on Friday: One criminalizes providing gender-affirming care for transgender youth, and the other requires students to use restrooms according to the gender on their birth certificate. We’ll discuss the business and economic consequences of new anti-transgender legislation across the nation. Plus, we catch up on the work behind the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection. Then we’ll send you off into the weekend with a round of This or That!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Alabama passes bill criminalizing medical care for transgender youth” from The Guardian
“Alabama lawmakers vote to make providing gender-affirming care to trans youth a felony” from Politico
“Business Statement on Anti-LGBTQ State Legislation” from the Human Rights Campaign
Tweet thread from futurist Amy Webb on a bidding war behind new federal scientific research center
“Donald Trump Jr. texted Meadows ideas for overturning 2020 election before it was called” from CNN
“Proud Boys leader admits plan to storm the Capitol, will testify against others” from The Washington Post
“Proud Boys leader pleads guilty to role in Jan. 6 conspiracy” from Politico

Got a question for the hosts? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at 508-827-6278 or 508-U-B-SMART.

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Yesterday a listener asked about the real estate market, and we’ve still got housing on our minds. We’ll talk about fresh data that shows homes are less affordable across the country. Plus, the devastation of one Ukrainian city shows the brutality of Russian forces. Then, Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first Black woman to sit on the Supreme Court today. Could this moment inspire change in the corporate world? Finally, some music news that made us smile.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Buying a home hasn’t been this tough since the Great Recession hit” from Business Insider
“Home Affordability Gets Tougher Across the U.S. As Prices and Mortgage Rates Surge” from Attom Data Solutions
“As Mortgage Rates Rise, Home Sellers Fear Time Is Running Out to Cash In” from The Wall Street Journal
“In Bucha, the scope of Russian barbarity is coming into focus” from The Washington Post
“Ketanji Brown Jackson will be the first Black woman justice. Here’s how she will change the Supreme Court.” from The 19th
CEOs reflect on Ketanji Brown Jackson’s historic confirmation: ‘Let this be a stepping stone’ from Business Insider
“Anita Hill: The Senate Judiciary Committee mistreated Judge Jackson. I should know.” from The Washington Post
“McConnell won’t commit to hearings for Biden SCOTUS picks if GOP retakes Senate” from Axios
“Film at 11: How a Minnesota Station Found Old Footage of a Very Young Prince” from The New York Times
“Film Of Prince At Age 11 Discovered In Archival Footage Of 1970 Mpls. Teachers Strike” from WCCO
“How ‘Big Grrrls’ Shatters Dance Norms in Lizzo’s New Reality Show” from Variety
Review: Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls is Joyful Love Letter to Plus-Size Women from The Root

Join us Friday for Economics on Tap. We’ll be livestreaming on YouTube starting at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

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With a dozen states considering sending payments to taxpayers to ease the sting of inflation, one listener is wondering whether more checks could actually have the opposite effect. We’ll break down the arguments on this Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday. Plus, President Joe Biden announced this week that the pause on student loan payments would be extended to the end of August, but how would forgiving student loans altogether impact the nation’s economy? We’ve also got answers to your questions about bitcoin and the red-hot housing market. Here’s everything that we talked about today:
- “Stimulus checks for inflation: Here are the states planning to send money to residents” from CBS News
- “Another stimulus check could help fight inflation but a fourth is unlikely, experts say” from The Hill
- “How wiping out all student loan debt would change the economy” from Fortune
- “The student loan system has ‘layers of disfunction’” from Marketplace
- “What Would Forgiving Student Debt Mean for the Federal Budget?” from The Urban Institute
- “What Is Proof of Work (PoW) in Crypto?” from the Motley Fool
- Marketplace’s series reporting on cryptocurrency mining and the environment
- “When Will Be a Good Time to Buy a House?” from The Atlantic
- National home price index since 1987, from S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller and the St. Louis Federal Reserve

Do you have a question for Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday? Share it with us and it could be answered on the show! Send us a voice memo or email to makemesmart@marketplace.org, or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART (508-827-6278)!

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It’s been more than six months since Texas’ anti-abortion law went into effect. SB8 lets private citizens sue anyone who helped a pregnant person get an abortion after the six-week ban, which could come with a $10,000 payout.

Idaho just passed similar legislation, and other states are considering copycat laws, too. Some experts refer to these kinds of measures as “bounty hunter” bills, and they say there are aspects of them that are similar to the Fugitive Slave laws that required civilians help capture enslaved people and led to the Civil War.

“It’s not unconstitutional to create ways in which private citizens can enforce the law. What does start to offend the Constitution is when you are encouraging people to act as bounty hunters when other folks are exercising a constitutional right. That’s going to be a problem for us,” said Kim Mutcherson, co-dean and professor at Rutgers Law School in Camden, New Jersey.

Mutcherson said these laws allow private citizens to line their pockets while undermining constitutional rights, which is outside the mainstream of lawmaking in this country.

On the show today: the parallels between Fugitive Slave laws and civilian enforcement laws of today.

Later, we’ll talk about the cost of owning a home versus renting, and a revealing study about racial disparities and COVID-19.

Then we’ll hear from listeners about long COVID-19 and a twisted answer to the Make Me Smart question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Texas’s abortion law created a ‘vigilante’ loophole, inspiring dozens of bills from both parties” from The Washington Post
“Anti-Abortion Politicians Are Now Taking Inspiration From the Fugitive Slave Act” from The Nation
Twitter thread about the cost of home buying vs. renting
Twitter thread about study on racial disparities and COVID-19
“Study: Covid’s racial disparities made some white people less vigilant about the virus” from NBC News

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The Senate approved an agreement for a new round of COVID-related funding today. The $10 billion package includes money for COVID testing and treatment as well as vaccine distribution, but without additional funds for foreign aid. We’ll see what happens when the House gets its turn to vote on the deal. There’s also a new report from the United Nations’ climate science agency suggesting that only drastic emissions cuts will save us from some of the worst effects of climate change, and most countries lack the political will to do anything about it. Finally, we’ll end on a Make Me Smile that might count as good public relations for pop singer Rick Astley.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Democratic, GOP senators reach $10 billion COVID agreement, removes international aid” from PBS NewsHour
“Senate strikes $10B Covid deal” from Politico
“The IPCC says we already have the tech tools to stop climate change” from Protocol
“‘Now or never’: Only severe emissions cuts will avoid climate extremes, U.N. report says” from Reuters
“The world is running out of options to hit climate goals, U.N. report shows” from The Washington Post
The “Electrify Everything” episode of “How We Survive” from Marketplace
“Birkenstock Wants to Keep Rival Sandals Off Shelves at Nordstrom, Zappos, Other Retailers” from The Wall Street Journal
“Drones create giant QR code to ‘Rickroll’ the city of Dallas” from United Press International

Got a question for the hosts? Saw something interesting you want to share? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave a message at 508-U-B-SMART(508-827-6278).

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Happy Friday, Smarties! Workers at an Amazon warehouse in Staten Island, New York, elected to unionize today. That’s a historic win, and we’ll talk more about what the road to a contract could look like during Economics on Tap. There’s also plenty to discuss about the new jobs report, but one area to focus on is construction. Plus, a look at the impact the Biden administration’s immigration plans could have on the midterm elections and the worker shortage. And we’ve got a round of our old favorite, Half Full/Half Empty! Our hosts weigh in on April Fools marketing, streaming wins at the Oscars, rounding up for charity, the House vote on legalizing marijuana and Dunkin’ donuts makeup!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

Amazon workers in NYC vote to unionize, a first for company from the Associated Press
“We’re expecting a big increase in migrants at the US-Mexico border. But this time is different” from CNN
“Biden administration border plan poses midterm danger for Democrats” from The Washington Post
A look at the March construction employment numbers from Robert Dietz at the National Association of Home Builders
Jobs report March 2022: Payrolls rose 431,000, less than expected from CNBC
“Air guitar lessons, steak-scented deodorant and a job as a cat herder — all part of April Fools’ Day” from USA Today
“Best picture win for ‘CODA’ a milestone for streaming services” from Marketplace
“More businesses are asking us to ’round up’ for charity. How much change does it take to make change?” from Marketplace
“House approves bill legalizing marijuana” from The Hill
“e.l.f. Cosmetics and Dunkin’ launch a makeup collection” from CNN

Have a question for our hosts, or thoughts on something you heard on the show? Send us a voice memo or an email to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a message at 508-U-B-SMART (508-827-6278).

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As energy prices soar due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. is drawing on government petroleum reserves. But getting the oil flowing and to market isn’t easy. We’ll explain the realities of tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Plus, an hourslong gap in former President Donald Trump’s phone log on Jan. 6, 2021, is drawing scrutiny from Democrats in Congress. In Texas, parents of transgender kids are weighing the costs of staying or leaving the state, given new anti-trans orders. And finally, some very clever basketball-loving law students in North Carolina made us smile.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Biden Oil Plan Hinges on 1970s Reserve With Troubled History” from Bloomberg Green
“White House records turned over to House show 7-hour gap in Trump phone log on Jan. 6” from CBS News
“Revealed: Trump used White House phone for call on January 6 that was not on official log” from The Guardian
“Parents of transgender children in Texas face a hard choice: stay or go” from Marketplace
Lawyer Ken White on Trump’s RICO complaint
“Trump’s New Lawyer Has Been Fawning Over Him Since High School” from the Daily Beast
Law professor receives a “motion” to extend an assignment deadline before UNC vs. Duke Final Four
TikTok: Motion granted!

Got a question for the hosts? Saw something interesting you want to share? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a message at 508-U-B-SMART(508-827-6278).

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This week on Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday, we answer your questions about why everything is so expensive and who’s going to fix it. So first, does the Federal Reserve need help solving inflation? Can someone please explain why the Jones Act is still around? Plus, what the heck is crypto mining and when are we getting good public transportation? Finally, Kai Ryssdal and Kimberly Adams share their competing theories on headphone wearing.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The Fed has ways to put the brakes on rising prices” from Marketplace
“The budget focuses on fighting inflation, but that’s mainly a Fed project” from The New York Times
“How should Democrats respond to rising inflation and high gas prices?” from The New Yorker
“Inflation fuels drive to suspend state gasoline taxes” from Marketplace
“Cryptocurrency stories on Marketplace“
“How bitcoin mining works” from Marketplace
“Central Texas: famous for barbecue, boots and … bitcoin?” from Marketplace
“Bitcoin Uses More Electricity Than Many Countries. How Is That Possible?” from The New York Times
“The Jones Act” from Investopedia
“Trump just lifted the Jones Act for Puerto Rico. Here’s what that does.” from The Washington Post
“The Jones Act Strikes Again” from The Wall Street Journal
“How Much Oil Does the U.S. Import From Russia and Why Did Biden Ban It?” from The Wall Street Journal
“Everything In The $1.2 Trillion Infrastructure Bill: New Roads, Electric School Buses And More” from Forbes
“The pandemic sank mass transit use. Data show its slow recovery.” from NBC News
“How public transit systems can lure riders back” from Marketplace
“It could take nearly a decade for public transit to return to pre-pandemic levels” from Fortune

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At the start of the pandemic, there was an overwhelming sense that once there were vaccines, you’d be less likely to die from COVID-19 and the risk would all but go away. Then came long COVID.

According to one estimate, between 7 million and 23 million people in the United States have developed long COVID. That means that weeks or even months after an initial infection, they’re still suffering from a wide range of debilitating symptoms including shortness of breath, brain fog and heart palpitations.

And, in some cases, symptoms are so severe, people have left their jobs. So is our economy prepared?

“If you think about the way that our country manages disability, probably no,” said Jessica Malaty Rivera, an epidemiologist and senior adviser at the Rockefeller Foundation’s Pandemic Prevention Institute. “We can barely get our disability to work for people who are pregnant and having children. So I can’t imagine that it’s going to be very accommodating to those who are experiencing long COVID.”

On the show today, we’ll talk with Malaty Rivera about the health and socioeconomic effects of long COVID.

In the Newsfix, we’ve got a quick and dirty explainer on the bond yield curve and why it’s all over the news today. Plus, we’ll hear from listeners about the Farmers’ Almanac’s weather predictions and the Oscars, and a veterinarian shares a surprising answer to the Make Me Smart question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Is ‘long Covid’ worsening the labor shortage?” from the Brookings Institution
“Evidence grows that vaccines lower the risk of getting long COVID” from NPR
“NIH’s sluggish efforts to study long Covid draw patient, researcher ire” from STAT
“Stock Futures Edge Up, Bond Yields Inch Closer to Recession Warning” from The Wall Street Journal
“Covid-19 Coverage for the Uninsured Is Ending” from The Nation
ICYMI: “Make Me Smart’s” Cherry Blossom party

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An ice shelf in Antarctica the size of New York City collapsed after a warm spell in that part of the globe, in case you needed a reminder that climate change is still happening. The trend toward globalization could be on the decline, though, as the world continues to watch the war in Ukraine and understand its greater significance for the global economy. And some shocking news out of Washington, D.C. We’ll talk about that and more for this special edition of Economics on Tap. It’s also the first-ever Make Me Smart Cherry Blossom Party. Trust us, you’re going to love it.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Ice shelf collapses in previously stable East Antarctica” from AP
“How Russian sanctions could speed up the corrosion of globalization” from Marketplace
“The End of Globalization?” from Foreign Affairs
“BlackRock’s Larry Fink, who oversees $10 trillion, says Russia-Ukraine war is ending globalization” from CNBC
“Virginia Thomas urged White House chief to pursue unrelenting efforts to overturn the 2020 election, texts show” from The Washington Post

Got a question for the hosts? Saw something interesting you want to share? Send it to us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a message at 508-U-B-SMART(508-827-6278).

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If you’re in New York City, don’t be surprised if the next time you request an Uber you get picked up in a yellow taxi — Uber has announced plans to team up with cab companies there. We’ll talk about what this might mean for the taxi industry. Plus, you know the housing market is red hot when a Federal Reserve governor is having trouble buying a home. And a staggering new report highlights the rise in alcohol abuse amid the pandemic. Finally, our hosts share some much-needed Make Me Smiles.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“U.S. Housing Is So Hot Even a Fed Governor Can’t Buy a Home” from Bloomberg
“Uber Partners With Yellow Taxi Companies in NYC” from The New York Times
“Alcohol Killed More Under-65 Americans Than COVID in 2020” from New York magazine
“Alcohol-Related Deaths During the COVID-19 Pandemic” from The Journal of the American Medical Association
“What’s driving the dramatic rise in alcohol-related deaths during the pandemic?” from PBS NewsHour
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with substance-related issues, call the National Helpline
“Star Chef José Andrés Is Sending Ibérico Ham Into Space” from Bloomberg
“A Baby Shark movie is in the works!” from the AV Club

Got a question for the hosts? Saw something interesting you want to share? Send it to us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a message at 508-U-B-SMART(508-827-6278).

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A week after the Federal Reserve raised interest rates, some of us still have questions. Like, why did the stock market respond so positively? And how is making money more expensive really going to slow inflation? Plus, non-fungible tokens and disinformation, and who really owns the data collected by smart vehicles?

And thank you! We’ve already hit our goal of $100,000 for this fundraising drive. We couldn’t have done it without you! Your support means we’ll be able to continue the journalism we do every day. There’s still time to give if you haven’t already — and to get one of those Marketplace pen sets!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

Why is the Federal Reserve raising interest rates if supply chain issues are fueling inflation? from Marketplace
Your questions about cryptocurrency answered from Marketplace
Blockchain can help combat threat of deepfakes. Here’s how from the World Economic Forum
Stock markets are supposed to drop when the Fed hikes interest rates. So why are they rallying now? from Fortune
Who owns your connected car data and how is it used? from Tech Monitor
John Deere unveiled an autonomous tractor. Will farmers dig it? from Marketplace

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Potato chips. Razors. Air fresheners. These are just a few of the items some of the world’s biggest brands are still selling in Russia after they said they’d suspend sales of nonessential products. But what’s classified as “essential” seems to be in the eye of the beholder, and some of the companies say they’re sticking around to support their employees.

On an abbreviated show today (scheduling snafus happen to the best of us), we talk over the decision some companies have made to keep doing business in Russia even though pressure to cut ties has been mounting since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Plus, are Democrats really considering moving on from Iowa?

Help us keep independent journalism going strong! We’re $28,000 away from our $100,000 goal, and our deadline is Wednesday! Give today to support Make Me Smart. And thank you!

Later, listeners call in with their hot takes on plug-in hybrid minivans and “The NeverEnding Story.” And, we end the show with a musical answer to the Make Me Smart question.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

For Companies Still Selling in Russia, “Essential” Is a Loose Term from The Wall Street Journal
“Renault resumes car production in Moscow as rivals cut ties with Russia” from The Guardian
Opinion | Biden called Putin a war criminal. He was just saying what everyone can see” from The Washington Post
“Democrats circulate plan for changing 2024 nomination calendar, moving against Iowa and welcoming new early states” from The Washington Post

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Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo says the Biden administration is “prepared for the worst” when it comes to inflation and supply chain issues as global events continue to bring economic upheaval. We’ll also look at an eye-opening graphic that gives context to just how much the U.S. federal judiciary has been dominated by white men (we know we’re a podcast, but trust us, it’s worth your eyes). And we’ll talk about a harrowing story of Ukrainian journalists escaping the country as Russian forces closed in. That’s a lot of heavy news, but we’ll end with some Make Me Smiles.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

See just how much White men have dominated the federal judiciary from The 19th
20 days in Mariupol: The team that documented city’s agony from AP News
The Smaller Bombs That Could Turn Ukraine Into a Nuclear War Zone from The New York Times
Afghanistan’s last finance minister, now a D.C. Uber driver, ponders what went wrong from The Washington Post
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo’s comments on Monday
Here’s How To Celebrate The Cherry Blossoms In DC from the DCist
PEAK BLOOM!

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Today we’ll preview a story we think we’ll be talking about more soon, including on next week’s evening broadcast at “Marketplace.” There’s been increasing tumult in multiple commodity markets since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The markets for wheat, oil and various metals are being stretched to their limits as officials try to navigate both the war and prolonged supply chain issues. For Economics on Tap, our hosts discuss why getting things under control won’t be an easy fix. Then, the government is running out of the funding it uses to cover COVID costs, including tests, vaccines and treatments — the tools we need to bring life back to normal. And we’ll highlight another example of our totally skewed housing market and its implications. It’s a heavy news day, but we’ll finish things off with a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

LME: “The World’s Biggest Commodities Markets Are Starting to Seize Up” from Bloomberg
“The White House says it’s running out of money to cover COVID tests and vaccines” from NPR
“Homes Earned More for Owners Than Their Jobs Last Year” from The Wall Street Journal
“The complications of adding background checks to dating apps” from “Marketplace Tech”
COVID drove people to shop online, and some of those buying habits may stick from “Marketplace”
Netflix Test Will Let Members Pay for Password-Sharing Users from Variety
Cardboard cutouts of our favorite host!

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Since the beginning of the year, lawmakers in over 20 states have proposed bills limiting access to abortion pills by mail. The Food and Drug Administration had, in December, nixed a rule requiring that patients pick up their pills in person. There’s also an update on the continued detention of basketball star Brittney Griner in Russia and an insider look at how the Senate’s daylight saving time vote came to pass. After we wrap up the news, our hosts share a couple of technological marvels as Make Me Smiles!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“WNBA star Brittney Griner’s detention in Russia extended to May 19” from ESPN
“As Abortion Pills Take Off, Some States Move to Curb Them” from Pew’s Stateline
The Senate’s Daylight Saving Time Move Shocked Senators from BuzzFeed News
Arnold Schwarzenegger tapes video to Russia, telling Putin: ‘Stop this war’ from The New York Times
First photos from James Webb telescope better than expected from Cosmos magazine
“How a game-changing transplant could treat dying organs” from National Geographic

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The Federal Reserve raised interest rates today for the first time in three years, and for Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday, we’re answering your questions about it. Plus, why gas prices are volatile, and how to avoid misinformation and disinformation coming out of Ukraine.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

The Price of Gas: Why It Goes Up and Down from The Balance
The truth about gas prices and oil production from The Washington Post
Biden demands faster drop in gas prices as oil tumbles from CNN
Here’s what the Fed’s expected rate hike means for your wallet from CNBC
How to spot false posts from Ukraine from BBC News
UkraineFacts.org from the International Fact-Checking Network
Fake Or Real? How To Self-Check The News And Get The Facts from NPR

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Corporate consolidation has been getting a lot of attention lately. But it isn’t a new phenomenon. It’s been on the rise since the ’80s, and it’s led to just a handful of companies controlling entire industries and fewer companies out there to deliver goods and services.

“One really good example would be health care — this is a pretty concentrated sector in the U.S. economy,” said Kate Bahn, director of labor market policy and chief economist at the Washington Center for Equitable Growth. “[Consolidation] is when there’s hospital mergers … maybe one big management company overarching a whole sort of sector in one location.”

But it means a lot more than companies just getting bigger. Corporate consolidation has a big impact on the way our economy is shaped.

On today’s show: How corporate consolidation influences wages and consumer prices — and why it calls into question the success of capitalism.

In the News Fix, we’ll discuss how a spike in global food prices could trigger unrest around the world and the fate of Sarah Bloom Raskin’s nomination to the Federal Reserve board. (We taped today’s episode before she withdrew her nomination.)

Also, listeners celebrate Kimberly’s official spot in the host chair and a debate over who is more introverted!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“America’s Monopolies Are Holding Back the Economy” from The Atlantic
Kate Bahn’s testimony on corporate power
“Ukraine War Could Put Food Security on Pentagon’s Plate” from Government Executive
“Manchin Won’t Support Raskin for the Federal Reserve” from The New York Times
“Big container ship goes aground in Chesapeake, recalling Suez ordeal” from The Washington Post

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With everything else going on in the world, it can start to feel like the pandemic is pretty much over. But for What’d We Miss Monday, our hosts highlight new data that suggests COVID-19 could be back on the rise. We’ll have more on that, plus what kind of an announcement we can expect from the Federal Reserve this week. There are also updates on NASA’s latest mission, how the battle over the 2020 election altered local election offices around the country, and what we can learn from key moments throughout the pandemic. Finally, we’ll share a couple of Make Me Smiles from our audience to brighten up the day!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Russia’s war on Ukraine: A sanctions timeline” from the Peterson Institute for International Economics
Are Covid Cases Going Back Up? Sewer Data Has Potential Warning from Bloomberg
“Powell Admires Paul Volcker. He May Have to Act Like Him.” from The New York Times
“Officials Confirm Several Geomagnetic Storms Are Hitting Earth This Week” from Science Alert
This update from NASA on the Artemis project
“How Millions of Lives Might Have Been Saved From Covid-19” from The New York Times
The gutting of a Georgia elections office that was targeted for takeover by those who believe the 2020 election was a fraud from The Washington Post
“‘They’re lying to you’: Russian TV employee interrupts news broadcast” from The Guardian
The tutu-wearing snowboarder and the San Francisco gardening group SF in Bloom from today’s Make Me Smiles!

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Kimberly Adams is officially a co-host, and it’s only right we pour a glass and celebrate with some Economics on Tap! First, we discuss businesses joining the political battle against anti-LGBTQ moves in Florida and Texas. But is it too little too late? Then, Stoli Vodka sets the record straight. And, it wouldn’t be Friday if we didn’t end the show with a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

This week, we’ve got a special edition of the Make Me Smart question: What is something you thought you knew that you later found out you were wrong about regarding the pandemic? Send your answers or anything else on that’s on your mind at makemesmart@marketplace.org! Or leave us a voicemail at 508-UB-SMART (508-827-6278)!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Disney to Pause Political Donations in Florida from The Wall Street Journal
Texas Child Abuse Investigators Told to Make Transgender Cases a Priority from The New York Times
Apple, Google, Ikea and others urge Texas to drop transgender policy from Axios
Stoli Vodka Really Wants You to Know It Isn’t From Russia from The Wall Street Journal
Russian businesses in the U.S. face a tough road as the war escalates from Marketplace
The New Captain of the Endurance Shipwreck Is an Anemone from The New York Times
Opinion | Why I’m so concerned for WNBA star Brittney Griner from The Washington Post
MLB lockout ends: What’s next for baseball as MLBPA, owners reach agreement and get ready for 2022 Opening Day from CBS Sports
TSA extends mask use on public transportation until April 18 from CBS News
The VW bus is finally back — and now it’s electric from The Orange County Register
Crypto has the attention of the president. What now? from Marketplace
Russians liquidating crypto in the UAE as they seek safe havens from Reuters
No sugarcoating it: Girl Scout cookie shortage is here. What will troops and bakers do? from KCRW

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There’s a lot of news to cover today, so pull up a seat. We’ll talk about some of the recent state legislation in Florida and Texas targeting LGBTQ families and the European Union’s plan to end its reliance on Russian gas. Also, inflation is coming for your bag of chips, but not the way you might think. And dear listener, make sure you listen to today’s Make Me Smile for a big announcement we’re excited to share!

Here is everything we talked about on the show today:

How companies are hiding inflation without charging you more from Quartz
‘Black Panther’ Director Ryan Coogler Mistaken for Bank Robber from The New York Times
Ukraine Update: EU Eyes Ending Russian Energy Reliance from Bloomberg
Texas family of trans child who dined with Ken Paxton facing abuse investigation from The 19th
Ken Paxton aims for Texas Supreme Court to decide if gender-affirming care is child abuse from KUT
Disney Censors Same-Sex Affection in Pixar Films, Say Employees from Variety
Florida legislature passes ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill to restrict LGBTQ topics in elementary schools from The Washington Post

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Today we’re answering questions that get at those knock-on economic effects of Russia’s war with Ukraine we’ve been talking about recently on the show. One listener wonders about gas tax revenue. Another wants to know: What is an oligarch, and why should I care? We’ll tell you that, plus dig into some specifics about the bond market and provide clarification about Fed chief Jay Powell’s magic keyboard.

If you’ve got a question you want us to answer next time, send a voice memo or give us a call at 508-82-SMART (508-827-6278).

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Democrats weigh gas tax holiday to ease inflation pressure on Americans” from NBC News
“Whitmer joins coalition of governors calling to suspend federal gas tax” from WZZM
Stocks Surge, Oil Falls, Extending Volatility Amid Ukraine War from The Wall Street Journal
Scott Tong’s reporting on Venezuela for Marketplace
“The U.S. Shifts Focus to Venezuelan Oil, but Output Is Low” from The Wall Street Journal
“U.S. ties easing of Venezuela sanctions to direct oil supply” from Reuters
“Meet Russia’s oligarchs, a group of men who won’t be toppling Putin anytime soon” from The Conversation
“What is a Russian oligarch? Here’s what to know as the U.S. rolls out sanctions” from CBS News
“Turning the Focus on America’s Oligarchs” from The New Yorker

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There are no winners in the war in Ukraine. Civilian casualties are mounting as Ukrainians resist Russian invaders. But on social media, things are playing out differently. Laura Edelson, a misinformation researcher and co-director of the Cybersecurity for Democracy project at NYU, says Ukraine is winning the information war. On today’s show, she makes us smart on why that is, where platforms have fallen short in protecting users and what regular folks can do to protect themselves instead. Plus: rising gas prices, eggcorns and a festive answer to the Make Me Smart question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Fact and Mythmaking Blend in Ukraine’s Information War” from The New York Times
“Ukraine misinformation spreads as users share videos out of context” from Axios
“This is how journalists figure out if all those Ukraine videos are real” from The Washington Post
“Biden announces ban on Russian oil imports, other energy products” from ABC News
“Senate passes anti-lynching bill” from NPR
“Why do we import Russian (and other foreign) oil when we have a lot of it in the U.S.?” from Marketplace
“This Is What ‘Eggcorns’ Are (and Why They’re Jar-Droppingly Good)” from Time

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It’s Monday, and we’re getting caught up on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, COVID-19 here at home and more. As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine reaches its second week, political pressure is mounting in the United States to stop the purchase of Russian oil. Another Russia-related story about a WNBA player detained in that country highlights pay disparities in the U.S. Plus, another round of COVID tests are available for home delivery, and a White House report on how consolidation has affected wages. Finally, before we let you go, we’ve got a Make Me Smile that’s simply eel-ectric!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

Ukraine Live Updates: Third Round of Talks Raise Hopes for Evacuation Routes from The New York Times
Calls for U.S. to ban Russian oil gain momentum despite inflation concerns from The Washington Post
U.S. may act alone to ban Russian oil imports, sources say from Reuters
Brittney Griner: It’ll be ‘very difficult’ to get detained US basketball star out of Russia, lawmaker says from CNN
Why Vladamir Putin Should Never Have Put WNBA’s Brittney Griner in Jail in Russia from The Root
Corporate power keeps U.S. wages 20% lower than they should be from Reuters
Global Covid-19 deaths surpass 6 million from CNN
People in the U.S. can now order 4 more free Covid tests online from NBC News
Miguel Wattson’s official Twitter from the Tennessee Aquarium

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It’s the end of the week, and we’re settling in for Economics on Tap! We’ll close the loop on some questions we raised earlier about the Federal Reserve and swap lines and explore a story on a group of hospitals teaming up to bring affordable insulin to patients. And of course, a round of the game we’re all here for — Half Full/Half Empty! Our hosts offer their thoughts on the State of the Union speech, dynamic pricing for “The Batman,” Hollywood’s silver screen obsession with Uber and Theranos, and a “Reading Rainbow” reboot!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“U.S. Funding Markets Show Signs of Stability Despite Russia Sanctions” from The Wall Street Journal
Cheap insulin for diabetics is next mission for Civica Rx nonprofit drug maker from The Washington Post
Guy Reffitt’s Son Testifies Against Him in Jan. 6 Trial from The New York Times
James Fallows: Biden’s State of the Union, Annotated from The Atlantic
AMC Charges More for “The Batman” Tickets, Like Spielberg Predicted from Variety
“IRS aims to hire 10,000 workers to reduce crippling mail backlog” from Politico
“The Dropout” and “Super Pumped” chronicle the fall of Theranos, rise of Uber and the human cost of tech greed from the Washington Post
“‘Reading Rainbow’ is getting a reboot but without LeVar Burton” from NPR

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It’s Hollowed-Out Shell Thursday, and while we’re not feeling totally empty, we’re a little confused about the state of the energy market in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia faces sanctions from the West in everything from retail to sports, but the United States says it has no plans to stop buying Russian crude oil. The Biden administration wants to limit disruptions to the global energy supply, but we still have questions. Next, we examine whether this moment of energy uncertainty will accelerate a global shift to clean energy. To wrap things up, our hosts share a welcome Make Me Smile, and a crafty one!

Have a question for our hosts? Did you see something that made you smile? Share it with us! Email or send a voice memo to makemesmart@marketplace.org. Or leave us a voice message at 508-827-6278 (508-U-B-SMART)!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

White House Balks at Russian Oil Ban in New Feud With Congress from Bloomberg
Why Does the U.S. Buy Russian Oil? from The Wall Street Journal
Russia-Ukraine war: Lessons for global energy markets from CNBC
War in Ukraine is changing energy geopolitics from The Conversation
Tombstone Engravers Struggle to Keep Up With Demand from The New York Times
Biden administration will extend immigration relief to Ukrainians in the US from CNN
Sea Glass Identification from Beachcombing Magazine

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For Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday, we asked for all your economic and tech questions about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. One listener wonders if we should be worried about cyberattacks becoming a large part of Russia’s strategy. Or will the country try to pivot to crypto (can they even do that?)? Then, our hosts help us figure out what exactly SWIFT is, following the global financial system’s removal of certain Russian banks. And we’ll find out what China’s role in all of this could be.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Within Days, Russia’s War on Ukraine Squeezes the Global Economy” from The New York Times
The Russian invasion of Ukraine could raise food prices worldwide from Vox
“Cyber-attacks on Ukraine are conspicuous by their absence” from The Economist
“Russian cyber attacks against US banks increasing: sources” from The New York Post
“Global hacking group Anonymous launches ‘cyber war’ against Russia” from CNBC
“What is SWIFT and how is it being used against Russia?” from CNN
Senators ask if Russia can use cryptocurrencies to skirt sanctions from The New York Times
“Crypto will not save Russia from sanctions, experts say” from Al Jazeera
“China not emerging as lifeline for sanction-slammed Russian economy” from The New York Times

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There’s only one story we wanted to do a deep dive into this week: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The conflict has escalated in recent days. It’s a humanitarian story, an economic story and a story of history.

Someone who is well familiar with that history is Francis Fukuyama, a political scientist at Stanford University. Fukuyama is known for his 1992 book, “The End of History,” in which he argued that the great ideological battles between East and West are effectively over.

On the show today, we check in with Fukuyama about that concept, given today’s context and the significance of a land war on the European continent.

“One of the reasons that people have paid special attention to Ukraine is that it sets an important precedent for what will happen in East Asia,” he said. “Ukraine may be kind of a dry run for how much resistance there’s going to be to what’s happening in that theater. The biggest challenge to current world order actually is not Russia, but it’s China, simply because Chinese power is much more multidimensional than Russian power.”

In the News Fix, we discuss Western media coverage of the conflict in Ukraine and how it compares to coverage of conflicts in the Middle East and Africa. Plus, the U.S. is the world’s top oil producer, so why does it still import oil from Russia? We’ll explain.

Later, we hear from a listener who paid a big price for a cheap app. And we get an answer to the Make Me Smart question that has us wondering about a linguistic phenomenon. (Hopefully you can help us.)

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“What Next in Ukraine?” by Francis Fukuyama from American Purpose
“In reporting Ukraine’s plight, some in media use offensive comparisons” from The Washington Post
A Twitter thread about a woman from Sierra Leone trying to leave Ukraine
“Why Does the U.S. Buy Russian Oil?” from The Wall Street Journal
Texas Primary Election: Live Updates and What to Watch from The New York Times
A Twitter thread about how the helium shortage is affecting the National Weather Service

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This What’d We Miss Monday, we catch up on the conflict in Ukraine, including the ugly reality that economic sanctions against Russia hurt its individual citizens. And that’s the point. The West is betting economic collapse will turn those citizens against Vladimir Putin. Also today: what’s next from the Federal Reserve, and a new report that warns humanity and nature are running out of time to adapt to climate change. Ready for a Make Me Smile? We’ve got one that’s appropriately banana pants.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show:

Russia’s ruble worth less than 1 cent after West tightens sanctions from CBS News
Germany announces major defense policy shift in face of Russia’s Ukraine invasion from CNBC
In major shift, Germany to send weapons to Ukraine, hike defense spending from MarketWatch
At the Ukrainian border, a mother brings a stranger’s children to safety from Reuters
Once Sleepy and Picturesque, Ukrainian Villages Mobilize for War from The New York Times
“The Battle for Kyiv,” today’s episode of The New York Times’ podcast “The Daily”
World’s largest plane destroyed in Ukraine from CNN
Initial Talks Between Russia and Ukraine Yield No Resolution from The New York Times
Climate Change’s Effects Outpacing Ability to Adapt, I.P.C.C. Warns from The New York Times

If you haven’t signed up for the Make Me Smart newsletter, now is the time! Sign up for it (or any other from Marketplace) by today, and you’ll be entered to win a Vintage Kai T-shirt, signed by Kai.

Did you see something that made you smile? Share it with us! Email or send a voice memo to makemesmart@marketplace.org. Or leave us a voice message. We’re at 508-827-6278 (508-U-B-SMART)!

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Today, there’s still really only one story, and that’s Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. For a hint about American attitudes toward the conflict, we look to a fresh Washington Post-ABC poll that found that two-thirds of Americans support imposing economic sanctions on Russia for its actions. About half say they would support sanctions even if they result in higher energy prices in the United States. Plus, Kimberly shares some of her thoughts on the future of American jurisprudence following the historic nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. And, of course, it wouldn’t be Economics on Tap without a round of our favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty! We discuss the end of 3G, the return of “Law & Order,” Kai not getting “The Office” and pandemic updates.

If you haven’t signed up for the Make Me Smart newsletter, now is the time! Sign up for that excellent missive (or any other from Marketplace) by Monday, and you’ll be entered to win a Vintage Kai T-shirt, signed by Kai himself!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“US to impose sanctions on Putin following Ukraine invasion” from CNN
“Biden nominates Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court” from The Washington Post
“RIP, 3G” from “Marketplace Tech”
Rural America prepares to do without 3G phone services from Marketplace
“How the TV business has changed since the first episode of ‘Law & Order’ in 1990” from Marketplace
“Wall Street Told Hollywood to Stream. Now It’s Changing Its Mind” from Bloomberg
“CDC Eases Mask Guidelines, Reflecting Covid-19’s Retreat” from The Wall Street Journal
“Eyeing a post-pandemic world, delivery apps aim to deliver more than just dinner” from “Marketplace Tech”

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Things are pretty hollow on this Hollowed-Out Shell Thursday. After weeks of posturing, Russian forces invaded Ukraine on Wednesday night. We can’t predict what’s going to happen next, but we can guess on the probable economic ripples. We’ll end with a surprisingly divisive Make Me Smile.

Sign up for the Make Me Smart newsletter (or any other Marketplace newsletter) by Feb. 28 and be entered to win a signed Vintage Kai T-shirt.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Shock-and-Awe Sanctions Could Still Stop Putin from Bloomberg
Coffee, Cocoa Slump With Consumption Drop Off After Russia Attack from Bloomberg
Russian Escalation in Ukraine Raises Global Economic Risks from The Wall Street Journal
Enjoy this collection of hairless cats, courtesy Marielle

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It’s Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday, and Kai’s flying solo today, focusing on your inflation questions. Like which grocery store items are used to calculate inflation numbers? Could lifting the tariffs on China lower prices at the cash register? Is what we’re seeing really inflation or plain old corporate greed?

Have a question you want answered next week? Email or send a voice memo to makemesmart@marketplace.org. Or leave us a voice message. We’re at 508-827-6278 (508-U-B-SMART)!

Sign up for the Make Me Smart newsletter (or any other Marketplace newsletter) by Feb. 28 and be entered to win a signed Vintage Kai T-shirt.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

Yellen Says Cutting Some Tariffs on Chinese Goods Could Ease Price Pressures from U.S. News & World Report
Why inflation can actually be good for everyday Americans and bad for rich people from CNN
Despite higher wages, inflation gave average worker a 2.4% pay cut last year from CNBC
White House economists push back against pressure to blame corporations for inflation from The Washington Post

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Credit scores are supposed to indicate how likely it is that someone will pay back money they borrowed. And credit scores matter — a lot. If you want to participate fully in this economy, you’ll probably need credit to buy a car or get housing and, in some cases, even to get a job. And yet, the current credit scoring system leaves lots of people out in the cold. About 26 million Americans are considered “credit invisible,” meaning they have no credit history.

“Anything that starts with good intentions, but that doesn’t have a whole lot of public accountability around it, will go off the rails,” said Frederick Wherry, professor of sociology at Princeton and director of the Dignity and Debt Network. Today’s credit scores were designed to make lending more fair by using data to determine who should have access to credit. But there’s still lots of inequity baked into the system.

On the show today, we delve into the mystery behind credit scoring and why some people think it’s time to rethink how we measure creditworthiness.

Share how your credit score has affected you with our sister show, “Marketplace Tech.”

And, there’s still time: Sign up for the “Make Me Smart” newsletter (or any other Marketplace newsletter) by Feb. 28 and be entered to win a signed “Vintage Kai” T-shirt.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Are credit scores a necessary evil?” from VOX
“No Credit Score? No Problem! Just Hand Over More Data.” from The New York Times
“US and UK warn of beginning of Ukraine invasion” from BBC News
“Trucker convoy plans protest in Washington D.C. ” from WNEP
Check out the colorful container ship graph Kai referenced

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Grab your drinks and settle in, folks. It’s time for a little Economics on Tap! On today’s show, we’ll discuss the National Archives revealing that classified materials were recovered from former President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago property. Then, Kai and Kimberly dive into the troubling reactions to an ice skating final at the Winter Olympics, and the latest on a potential land war in Europe. Then things get a little musical during a round of our game Half Full/Half Empty (with a surprise host!).

Sign up for the Make Me Smart newsletter (or any other Marketplace newsletter) by Feb. 28 and be entered to win a signed Vintage Kai T-shirt.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“National Archives confirms classified material was in boxes at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence” from The Washington Post
“Material Recovered From Trump by Archives Included Classified Information” from The New York Times
“Looks Like the Auction of Melania Trump’s First NFT Was Such a Dud She Had to Buy the Thing Herself” from Artnet
“What Happens When Pitchers and Catchers Don’t Report?” from The New York Times
“A Disturbing Night of Olympic Figure Skating Exposes the Dark Side of the Rink” from The Wall Street Journal
“Alaska Airlines unveils subscription-based flight passes for West Coast travel” from the Points Guy
Disney to build residential neighborhoods in Storyliving project from CNN
Workers trading business casual for business comfort, Stitch Fix CEO says from Marketplace
Introducing “Bel-Air”: How a “Fresh Prince” Fan Trailer Became a Reimagined Story for a New Generation from Teen Vogue
Facebook parent Meta wants workers to be “metamates” from The Washington Post

Got any questions, comments or concerns? An answer to the Make Me Smart question? Email it to us: makemesmart@marketplace.org. Or leave us a voice message. We’re at 508-827-6278 (508-U-B-SMART)!

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Earlier today, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a “next phase” pandemic plan that includes easing restrictions and focusing on prevention and readiness for any future COVID-19 surges. Plus, a couple of shell-shaking climate updates and some auto-related Make Me Smiles to wrap up this Hollowed Out Shell Thursday.

Sign up for the Make Me Smart newsletter (or any other Marketplace newsletter) by February 28th and be entered to win a signed Vintage Kai T-shirt.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

Sea-level rise will rise one foot along U.S. coastlines by 2050, government says from The Washington Post
Western ‘Megadrought’ Is the Worst in 1,200 Years from Scientific American
What does California’s drought mean for the rest of the country? from Marketplace
A Third of America’s Economy Is Concentrated in Just 31 Counties from Bloomberg
Covid Live Updates: California Unveils Plan to Treat Coronavirus as Manageable Risk from The New York Times
Cargo Ship Full of Porsches, Bentleys and VWs Is On Fire and Adrift in the Atlantic [UPDATED] from The Drive
Taras Grescoe’s Twitter thread about Paris’ car-free zone
Here are 11 more cities that have joined the car-free revolution from Fast Company

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On this Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday, we’ve got a listener question about how effective U.S. economic sanctions are when cryptocurrency can be used to evade them. Then we look at what’s causing the nursing shortage — COVID-19 isn’t the only reason. Plus, Kai Ryssdal fields a question about his career in the foreign service.

Do you have a question you want us to answer? You can send us a voice memo or call us at 508-UB-SMART (508-827-6278). You can also email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

Treasury Warns That Digital Currencies Could Weaken US Sanctions from The New York Times
Cryptocurrency Industry Gets Tailored Guidance on Complying With US Sanctions from The Wall Street Journal
Treasury unleashes cryptocurrency sanctions to fight ransomware from Politico
Justice Department Sets Up National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team from The Wall Street Journal
Hospitals try to manage omicron surge along with staff shortages from Marketplace
Global shortage of nurses set to grow as pandemic enters third year – group from Reuters
The U.S. needs more nurses, but nursing schools don’t have enough slots from NPR

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As the threat of climate change grows, expect to hear more about solar geoengineering.

Critics still believe the risks outweigh potential benefits, but that hasn’t stopped others from supporting the idea as a potential solution to our climate woes.

On the show today, the promise and peril of solar geoengineering.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Should We Block the Sun? Scientists Say the Time Has Come to Study It. ” from The New York Times
“Why a landmark experiment into dimming the sun got canceled” from Grist
Plaintiffs say they have a settlement agreement with the maker of the gun used in the Sandy Hook shooting from Connecticut Public Radio
“U.S. Producer-Price Inflation Stays Hot, Reinforcing Fed’s Plan to Start Raising Rates” from Bloomberg
“Elon Musk Gave $5.7 Billion of Tesla Shares to Charity Last Year” from The Wall Street Journal
How to Become a National Weather Service Storm Spotter

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Things could get weird in the world of oil if Russia follows through on an invasion of Ukraine, analysts warn. Our hosts discuss how the market might react. Plus, we’ve got plenty of updates on the Winter Olympics and the Freedom Convoy at the Canadian border, and we’ll check into the rocket headed for the moon. Stay to the end to catch our Make Me Smiles.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Oil Markets on Edge as Russia-Ukraine Tensions Drag On” from The New York Times
Canada Protests Live Updates: Trudeau Declares National Emergency from The New York Times
“Here’s how much the ‘Freedom Convoy’ has cost the U.S. and Canada” from Fortune
“At Winter Olympics, virus fight waged with worker sacrifices” from the Associated Press
“They qualified for unemployment benefits. Then the state asked for the money back.” from The Boston Globe
“States are telling some people to pay back unemployment benefits” from Marketplace
“Astronomers now say the rocket about to strike the Moon is not a Falcon 9” from Ars Technica
Kamila Valieva Can Compete but Won’t Receive Medals from The New York Times
Curling Stones Are Having Electronic Problems. Here’s How. from The New York Times
“Erin Jackson brings home gold, first Black woman to win speed skating medal at the Winter Olympics” from NBC News

Got a question for Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday? You can email a note or send a voice memo to makemesmart@marketplace.org. Or, you can call and leave a voice message at (508)-827-6278 (508-UB-SMART)!

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On this edition of Economics on Tap, we’ll get into the whiplash that some parents experienced today after the Food and Drug Administration reversed course on when it might authorize Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for kids under 5. Plus, more news from the border of Ukraine as President Joe Biden advises Americans in the area to leave as soon as possible. And to kick off the weekend, we’ve got a round of our favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty, featuring electric trucks, members of Congress trading stocks and a puzzling choice over augmented snacks.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

FDA to Take More Time Reviewing Pfizer’s Covid-19 Vaccine in Young Children from The Wall Street Journal
As with vaccines, equity becomes issue with COVID-19 medicines from the Los Angeles Times
NATO warns of danger in Russia-Ukraine crisis, Biden tells Americans to leave now from The Washington Post
Congress looks to ban lawmakers from trading individual stocks from Marketplace
There’s high demand for electric trucks, but little supply from Marketplace
Streaming services continue to dominate Oscar nominations from Marketplace
Megan Thee Stallion’s new video will debut on a Cheeto from Fast Company

If anything makes you smile over the weekend, or if you have questions or comments, email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org. Or leave us a voice message. We’re at 508-827-6278 (508-UB-SMART. )

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Today we’ll talk about some big news on the #MeToo front — Congress approved a new bill that guarantees legal recourse in courts to employees who have experienced sexual harassment at work. We’ll also talk about the latest in the fight for student athlete rights and how rising rents play into inflation. We’ll end with some Make Me Smiles, including zoo fundraisers and an update on our favorite Zoom cat-astrophe!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

Inflation: Four reasons your rent is going up from The Washington Post
Congress approves sex harassment bill in #MeToo milestone from AP News
NLRB petitioned to classify USC, UCLA athletes as employees from the Los Angeles Times
This Valentine’s Day, Consider A Gift That’s Warm, Furry Or Crawly. Or Has Fins. from Forbes
Judge Roy Ferguson’s tweet

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In 1965, the ratio of CEO-to-average-worker compensation was 21:1. In 2020, that number had skyrocketed to 351:1. One listener wondered: “How has that gap grown so wide?” We answer that, plus why gas prices list the tenth of a cent and if unlimited vacation is all it’s cracked up to be on this Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

CEO pay has skyrocketed 1,322% since 1978: CEOs were paid 351 times as much as a typical worker in 2020 from the Economic Policy Institute
In 2020, top CEOs earned 351 times more than the typical worker from CNBC
CEO pay jumped 16% last year, while workers saw just a 1.8% gain from Fortune
Alphabet grants tens of millions of dollars in stock awards to top execs from MSN
Why do gas prices end in 9/10 of a cent? from Marketplace
Why unlimited vacation isn’t all it seems from Marketplace
Companies with unlimited PTO are forcing their employees to take it from Protocol
Will the pandemic make the U.S. more of a vacation nation? from Marketplace

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Super Bowl weekend is almost here, and while the National Football League would probably like us to talk about the big game, we’re discussing its hiring practices.

Last week, the recently fired head coach of the Miami Dolphins, Brian Flores, filed a lawsuit against the NFL alleging, among other things, that it discriminates against Black coaches. Currently, there’s one Black head coach in the league.

The Rooney Rule was supposed to increase diversity within coaching staffs by requiring teams to interview at least one minority job candidate. But not much has changed in the two decades since that rule has been in place.

“People in other industries brought the Rooney Rule to their industries because they saw it in the NFL. And so if you have the place where the rule was essentially born falling down in the job with respect to implementing the rule, then there’s going to be less confidence in the rule elsewhere,” said N. Jeremi Duru, professor of sports law at American University and author of the book “Advancing the Ball: Race, Reformation, and the Quest for Equal Coaching Opportunity in the NFL.”

In the News Fix, we’ll stick with today’s sporty theme and talk about Olympic gold medalist skier Eileen Gu and how she’s managed to walk a political tightrope amid tensions between the U.S. and China. Also, we’re keeping an eye on the U.S.-Canadian border.

Later, a shoutout to Kimberly’s hometown and a special announcement about our Economics on Tap YouTube livestream.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Former Dolphins coach Brian Flores sues NFL and its teams, alleging racial discrimination” from The Washington Post
“Roger Goodell: Results of NFL’s coaching diversity efforts ‘unacceptable’” from ESPN
“The NFL’s Black Coaches Should Stop Playing Along” from The Atlantic
“Trucker Protest Jams Key Detroit Bridge as Canada Tensions Rise” from Bloomberg
Eileen Gu is skiing for China and taking over the Beijing Games from The Washington Post
Watch: “Eileen Gu’s HUGE final run grabs big air gold”

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On Monday, Amazon increased the base pay cap for some of its employees. Tech and corporate workers will see their base salaries rise from $160,000 to $350,000. In an internal memo, the company announced it hopes to offer more competitive compensation compared to other big tech companies. With Amazon being one of the world’s largest employers, we wonder what effect it could have on wages throughout the tech industry as well as for the rest of its own employees. We’ll also catch you up on the weekend’s news, including a White House update on Russia. Plus, a Make Me Smile that’s just our type!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Amazon more than doubles max base pay to $350k for corporate and tech workers, citing labor market” from GeekWire
“Russia at 70 percent of Ukraine military buildup, U.S. officials say” from Politico
“How New York City’s Hospitals Withstood the Omicron Surge” from The New York Times
“U.S. coronavirus deaths surpass 900,000, driven in part by Omicron surge” from Reuters
How Leisure Time Became Work from The Atlantic
“‘You’ve got mail’ | Tom Hanks responds to typewritten fan letters from Heights High School” from KHOU

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January’s employment report was released Friday morning, and it showed the U.S. economy added 467,000 jobs last month. The headline numbers were a pleasant surprise, but a closer look revealed troubling statistics for women hoping to return to the workforce. We discuss that and other takeaways over a nice adult beverage for Economics on Tap. Plus, a round of our Friday favorite, Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“January jobs report shows ‘troubling’ signs for women’s economic recovery” from CNBC
January jobs report 2022: U.S. adds 467,000 jobs, 4 percent unemployment from The Washington Post
“Dystopic TikTok Trend Demands Amazon Workers Dance for Surveillance Cameras” from Vice
America’s Hot New Job Is Being a Rich Person’s Servant from The Atlantic
“TurboTax teams with Coinbase to give you your 2022 tax refund in crypto” from Fast Company
“Candy Makers Say Expect Shortages This Valentine’s Day” from The Wall Street Journal
Government workers in Belgium no longer have to answer calls, emails after hours from NPR
“Meta’s market value plunges by $230 billion in one day” from The Verge

If anything makes you smile over the weekend, or if you have questions or comments, email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org. Or leave us a voice message. We’re at 508-827-6278 (508-UB-SMART).

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With the big game just around the corner, the broadcast world’s attention turns to the commercials. Advertisers are looking for a return to the upbeat tone of years past. We’ll guess about the efforts to stand out from the pack that we might expect during this year’s gridiron epic. Plus, we hollow out our shells while discussing the White House’s handling of the media and hard data on the national debt. We’ll end the show with two Make Me Smiles — one from Down Under, and one that’s out of this world.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

Felicia Sonmez’s tweet thread on recent events in Syria
“Raw data: Interest on the national debt” from Jabberwocking
“NBCUniversal Sells Out Super Bowl Ad Inventory, Hitting Record $7M For Some Spots” from Deadline
“Advertisers want to make Super Bowl commercials fun again this year” from Fortune
“Fortune Favours the Brave” | Crypto.com from Youtube
NASA says International Space Station will crash into Pacific Ocean once retired in 2030 from USA Today
“Covid: New Zealand unveils phased border reopening plan” from BBC News

Don’t forget, our newsletter drops every Friday. Sign up at Marketplace.org/newsletters.

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Every year, Americans donate millions of pounds of clothing to Goodwill, including one of our listeners, who wondered, “When I drop stuff off at Goodwill, where does it go?” We’ve got an answer for that one, as well as more listener questions about economic sanctions and a predictable story about a common and increasingly pricey cooking ingredient.

Here’s a look at everything we talked about on the show today:

“How Fed Hikes Could Affect Mortgages, Car Loans, Card Rates” from U.S. News & World Report
U.S., allies raise sanctions pressure on Russia ahead of U.N. showdown over Ukraine from NBC News
“US keeps imposing sanctions, but how well do they work?” from CNN
“A Boom Time for U.S. Sanctions” from The Atlantic
“Here’s what Goodwill really does with the stuff you donate” from The Seattle Times
“Don’t forget the garlic (industry)” from Marketplace
“Here’s Something That You Will Think Stinks: High Garlic Prices” from The Wall Street Journal

Do you have a question you want us to answer next? Share it with us! You can send us a voice memo or call us at 508-UB-SMART (508-827-6278). You can also email us— just send it to makemesmart@marketplace.org!

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The last time we took a longer look at inflation, economists were still trying to figure out if rising prices would be temporary or whether they’d be sticking around for a while.

Well, inflation is here. It’s now at a 40-year high, and the Federal Reserve is getting ready to raise interest rates to curb demand and — in theory — prices. So what now?

“Service sector inflation, it’s looming,” said Betsey Stevenson, a professor of public policy and economics at the University of Michigan and member of the Council of Economic Advisers under President Barack Obama.

Stevenson said while inflation in the goods sector will likely work itself out, what scares her the most is inflation in the service sector of the economy, an area where prices haven’t risen that much.

On today’s show, we’ll talk about what’s driving inflation, the long-term effects it could have on our economy and what policymakers can do to get it under control.

In the News Fix, we’ll talk about what inflation looks like in the rental market and why former President Donald Trump continues to have a grip on the Republican Party.

Then, we’ll hear from listeners about the metaverse, tips on where to use the loo when you’re road tripping across America and an answer to the Make Me Smart question that puts a really fine point on our look at inflation and the supply chain.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“CPI December 2021: Inflation Jumped at Fastest Pace Since 1982″ from The New York Times
“What should the White House do to combat inflation? Experts weighed in with 12 ideas.” from The Washington Post
“AOC: Corporate ‘price gouging’ is fueling inflation” from Yahoo News
“How Trump’s political groups are spending their huge cash haul” from Politico
“Trump Had Role in Weighing Proposals to Seize Voting Machines” from The New York Times
“Rent Inflation Shows That Landlords Have the Upper Hand Again” from Bloomberg
“Tesla agrees to fix ‘rolling stop’ feature over safety concerns” from The Financial Times

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On Monday, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine received full approval from the Food and Drug Administration for anyone over the age of 18. It’s the second vaccine the FDA has approved for use by adults, but parents seeking official guidance for children under 5 are still left with plenty of questions and not many answers. Then we catch up on the news we missed over the weekend, including Spotify’s response to the Joe Rogan controversy, a racist smear campaign against a presidential nominee for the Federal Reserve Board and how fashion brands could be edging toward the end of consumer-friendly seasonal sales. Plus, we have serious fun with a couple of interactive projects and a musical Make Me Smile!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“FDA fully approves Moderna COVID-19 vaccine” from The Hill
“‘We are so tired’: US parents and doctors say kids under five left behind in Covid vaccine race” from The Guardian
“Spotify’s Platform Rules and Approach to COVID-19” from Spotify
“Biden’s Federal Reserve Nominee Lisa Cook Is Facing A Racist Smear Campaign” from The Huffington Post
“Bank of America says it sees seven Fed rate hikes this year” from Reuters
“Wordle has been bought by The New York Times, will ‘initially’ remain free for everyone to play” from The Verge
“Fashion Brands Hope Covid Will Banish End-of-Season Sales” from The Wall Street Journal
“Can You Gerrymander Your Party to Power?” From The New York Times
“Play mini golf to see how politicians tilt elections using maps” from The Washington Post
“COVID cases mount as athletes, personnel arrive in Beijing” from Reuters
Miles the Music Kid’s YouTube channel

What’s making you smile this week? Let us know. Send a voice memo or give us a call at 508-82-SMART (508-827-6278)

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It’s Friday, which means it’s time for some Economics on Tap! Today we’re wondering if all the talk about supply chain problems six months ago changed our shopping habits and pondering the growing popularity of circus performers on TikTok. Plus, a round of our favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

Diane Swonk’s tweet on spending
Julia Coronado’s tweet thread on consumer demand
The American circus is in decline, but performers thrive on TikTok from Input magazine
Federal Reserve considers pros and cons of digital currency from Marketplace
Spotify Removes Neil Young’s Music After Complaints About Joe Rogan from the New York Times
Lowe’s to test mini Petcos in stores from Marketplace
She Created Her Own Korean Disney Princess Musical & This Needs To Happen ASAP from Refinery 29

Have thoughts on today’s show? Questions, comments, concerns? Send us an email at makemesmart@marketplace.org or give us a call at 508-827-6278 (or 508-U-B-SMART) and leave a message!

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Apple announced it had a great quarter, and GDP grew last year, too. But these numbers don’t tell the whole story. Gross domestic product has its limitations, and Kai talks about what he looks for when he wants to know how our economy is doing. Plus, our shells are feeling a little hollow following a grim reminder of the pandemic’s impact heading into year three. So to end the show, we’ve got a Make Me Smile that will hopefully make you dance!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“We Need to Talk About Covid, Part 1” from The New York Times
“15-month-old dies of COVID, becoming youngest LA County resident to die from virus” from Fox Los Angeles
“U.S. economy grew 1.7% in 4th quarter, capping a strong year” from The New York Times
“Apple revenue pops 11% to $123.9 billion despite supply chain concerns” from CNBC
“As Russia Threatens Ukraine, Europe Scrambles to Secure Gas Supply” from The Wall Street Journal
“Biden’s Berlin Gas Airlift” from The Wall Street Journal
“SpaceX Rocket Part to Crash Into Moon 7 Years After Launch” from The New York Times
“Jon Batiste – Freedom“

Don’t forget, our newsletter drops every Friday. Sign up at Marketplace.org/newsletters.

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The Lunar New Year is next week, and one listener wonders whether the traditional break that Chinese workers take might help our supply chain struggles. Then, we’ll answer some of your questions about the Free Filing program from the IRS and explore the growing anti-work movement. And Marielle finally shares that cauliflower smoothie recipe!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

China zero-Covid lockdowns, CNY holiday impact supply chains, ports from CNBC
“Chinese exports will remain stable despite surging freights, virus disruption” from the Global Times
How to file your tax return for free after TurboTax exits IRS program from USA Today
“TurboTax drops IRS Free File program. What that means for you” from CNET
“Here’s How TurboTax Just Tricked You Into Paying to File Your Taxes” from ProPublica
“The IRS has a big opportunity to fix the way Americans file taxes” from Vox
“‘Anti-work’ threads on Reddit are fueling the Great Resignation” from the New York Post
“Chinese Millennials Are Giving Up the Rat Race to ‘Lie Flat’” from the Daily Beast
“Snickerdoodle Tahini Date Smoothie” from Ambitious Kitchen

Got a question? Send us a voice memo. Or call us at 508-82-SMART (508-827-6278).

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Last week, we spoke with sci-fi writer Neal Stephenson. He’s the guy who coined the term “metaverse” in 1992 to describe a 3D virtual world where people interact through avatars.

Today, the term is being thrown around a lot by tech and gaming companies that say they’re building the real metaverse. You probably noticed Facebook even changed its name to Meta and has really doubled down on this concept. And cue Microsoft, announcing its deal with Activision last week, saying it will provide the building blocks for the metaverse.

But what is the metaverse, and how real is it?

“The conceptual idea is a shared 3D world that uses [virtual reality] and [augmented reality] and has tens of thousands of people, and it’s all interoperable. But right now, the best definition of the metaverse is that it’s kind of a catch-all marketing term that a lot of different companies are using to convey the value they see in their potential future products,” said Eric Ravenscraft, product writer and reviewer at Wired.

On the show today, we’ll cut through some of the noise about the metaverse and break down what’s real, what’s hypothetical and what might remain science fiction.

In the News Fix: We’re running really, really low on semiconductors. We’ll talk about a new survey that shows U.S. manufacturers are about five days away from running out of chips and what that means for the supply chain. Also, we’ll dig into a report that reveals the effects of not treating mental health the same as physical health.

Later, a listener calls us with her hot take on the West Elm Caleb drama. And, if you think you know what bald eagles sound like, you’ll be surprised after you hear this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question.

Here is everything we talked about today:

“What Is the Metaverse, Exactly?” from Wired
“In 2021, tech talked up ‘the metaverse.’ One problem: It doesn’t exist.” from The Washington Post
“Chip Shortage Leaves U.S. Companies Dangerously Low on Semiconductors, Report Says” from The Wall Street Journal
“Labor Department outlines unlawful imbalance in coverage between mental, physical care services” from Marketplace
ICYMI: Caleb From West Elm Took Over TikTok But He Wasn’t As Bad As Claimed from BuzzFeed

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Welcome back from the weekend, folks! It’s What’d We Miss Monday, where we discuss some of the stories we missed over the last few days. Today, we discussed Encanto taking over the charts (and our hearts!), Olympians going to great lengths to avoid COVID and an update on the Webb Space Telescope! Plus, updates from abroad and a sweet Make Me Smile!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Olympians Face a Daunting Final Qualifying Event: Staying Healthy” from The New York Times
“Miranda Talks About Bruno, And the ‘Encanto’ Phenomenon” from Bloomberg
“A Glut of Cauliflower Is Coming to Britain” from Bloomberg
“China sends 39 warplanes toward Taiwan, largest in new year” from the Military Times
Tom Malinowski on Twitter
“Orbital Insertion Burn a Success, Webb Arrives at L2” from NASA

What’s making you smile this week? Let us know. Send a voice memo or give us a call at 508-82-SMART (508-827-6278).

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If you haven’t heard about Caleb from West Elm, get ready for a mini-deep dive. His story is all over TikTok and Twitter, and it’s raising serious questions about internet culture and a person’s reasonable expectation of privacy. We’ll break it down. Plus, who knew what, when? That’s what House Democrats are asking of fossil fuel companies regarding climate change. Then, a round of our favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Caleb From West Elm Is Bad At Dating But He Probably Didn’t Deserve Being Pushed Through The TikTok Meat Grinder” from BuzzFeed
New York Times’ Taylor Lorenz on West Elm Caleb
“House panel broadens probe into climate disinformation by Big Oil” from The Washington Post
“How the oil industry made us doubt climate change” from the BBC
“Exxon Knew about Climate Change almost 40 years ago” from Scientific American
Why Microsoft is buying Activision Blizzard for $69 billion from Marketplace
“How to Order the Four Free Rapid Covid-19 Tests Announced by the White House” from The Wall Street Journal
“Amazon plans a new rival for retailers: a physical clothing store.” from The New York Times
And … the NFT Museum?

Have thoughts about the West Elm Caleb saga or any other story we mentioned today? Hit us up at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at 508-827-6278 (or 508-U-B-SMART).

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Temperatures in Texas are tumbling this week, and occasional host Andy Uhler is getting flashbacks from last year’s deep freeze. We’ll talk about what Texas has and hasn’t done to prevent another disaster. Plus, we’re feeling a little hollowed out after we learned what some college students think the average American earns. To lighten the mood, we jump on the Worldle bandwagon!

Here is everything we talked about today:

“The Texas Electric Grid Failure Was a Warm-up” from TexasMonthly
“Cold Sends Texas Natural Gas Supplies Plunging for Second Time This Month” from Bloomberg
“A professor said her students think Americans make six figures on average. That’s a long way off.” from The Washington Post
“Building a Better America—One Wealth Quintile at a Time” from the Association for Psychological Science
“The Misperception of Racial Economic Inequality” also from the Association for Psychological Science
“Absurdle is like Wordle but it fights back” from PC Gamer
“M&M characters redesigned for a “more dynamic, progressive world,” Mars announces” from CBS News

Don’t forget, our newsletter drops every Friday. Sign up at Marketplace.org/newsletters.

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AT&T and Verizon rolled out their expanded 5G services today. One listener wonders: What’s 5G anyway, and why do we need it? We’ll explain why it’s been a long time coming. Plus, our fill-in hosts answer more listener questions about wage theft, the Great Resignation and the climate implications of wood stoves versus electric space heaters.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“What is C-band 5G? Verizon and AT&T are flipping on the switch in the US” from CNN
ICYMI: Kai explains the issue with 5G and altimeters
“Employers steal billions from workers’ paychecks each year: Survey data show millions of workers are paid less than the minimum wage, at significant cost to taxpayers and state economies” from the Economic Policy Institute
“Fast-Food Workers Describe Harassment, Wage Theft During Pandemic” from Business Insider
“US Labor Agencies Strike Deal to Share Enforcement Information” from Bloomberg Law
“More quit jobs than ever, but most turnover is in low-wage work” from New York Times
“The economy is still in pandemic shock. But some state governments are flush with cash” from The Washington Post
“Cities Tap Federal Relief Aid to Reward Workers With Bonuses” from Bloomberg

Got a question? Send us a voice memo. Or call us at 508-82-SMART (508-827-6278).

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His latest book, “Termination Shock,” is about climate change, geoengineering and what happens when a billionaire decides to take matters into his own hands.

In the News Fix, what’s behind all the news, or lack thereof, that we’re not getting from Tonga after this weekend’s volcano eruption. Also, you can get your free rapid COVID-19 test now.

Then, a listener drops some facts on the James Webb Space Telescope and what a former Google researcher was really wrong about.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

““Termination Shock,” by Neal Stephenson: An Excerpt” from The New York Times
Neal Stephenson on “Termination Shock,” geoengineering, metaverse from CNBC
“Neal Stephenson Thinks Greed Might Be the Thing That Saves Us” from The New York Times
“Undersea cable fault could cut off Tonga from rest of the world for weeks” from Yahoo Finance
“California surpasses 7 million coronavirus cases” from The Los Angeles Times
U.S. stocks fall sharply as 10-year yield tops 1.80%, Goldman earnings disappoint from MarketWatch
“Mum admits to being mystery Netflix user who’s watched Bee Movie 357 times in a YEAR” from The Sun

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Grab your drinks people. Economics on Tap is back (and we’re starting strong)! In our first Friday show of the new year, our hosts take a look at the anticipated response to a new rule that says private insurers will have to cover the cost of at-home rapid COVID-19 tests. With insurers not quite ready to implement the changes, we take a look at what you can do to get those costs covered when the rule goes into effect this weekend. Then, we’ll discuss the impact of a major settlement against the NFL. And as always, we’ll end the show with a another round of our favorite game, Half-Full/Half-Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Insurers Say Saturday Is Too Soon to Meet White House Goals on Rapid Tests” from The New York Times
DC mandate will require proof of vaccination at bars, venues, Capital One Arena from The Washington Post
“GOP lawmakers pressure DC to ditch indoor vaccine mandate despite Omicron wave” from Business Insider
“‘We just slew the dragon’: Lawyers analyze St. Louis’ NFL settlement” from St. Louis Today
“How long will it take to get my tax refund?” from The Washington Post
“CES awards honor “femtech” solutions in women’s health” from Marketplace
“Can inflation be a marketing opportunity?” from Marketplace
“Fan sues Giants, Jets for $6 billion demanding both teams leave New Jersey and play home games in New York” from CBS Sports
“Canadian border vaccine mandate might worsen trucker shortage” from Marketplace
“We Have Come Full Circle On Novak Djokovic’s Visa” from Defector

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It’s our first Hollowed Out Shell of a Thursday of 2022. Let’s dive in. Today we talk about how small business has fared during this wave of the coronavirus omicron variant. We also discuss the Supreme Court’s response to President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate for large employers and what it means. Plus, an update on the situation at the Ukraine-Russia border and new charges against some of the Jan. 6 Capitol rioters. And some fishy Make Me Smiles. Stay tuned to the end because Kai finally gives us his most played songs of 2021.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show:

“Omicron Hits U.S. Small Firms, With One-Third Posting Sales Drop” from Bloomberg
“Supreme Court blocks Biden Covid vaccine mandate for businesses, allows health-care worker rule” from CNBC
“Supreme Court Blocks Biden’s Virus Mandate for Large Employers” from The New York Times
Massachusetts wastewater COVID update shows levels dropping from NBC Boston
“Russia and the U.S. Face Off Over Ukraine” from The New York Times
“U.S. is ‘fully prepared’ if Russia invades Ukraine, secretary of state says” from NPR
“Oath Keepers leader, 10 others charged with ‘seditious conspiracy’ in Jan. 6 Capitol attack” from NBC News

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Verizon and AT&T hoped to expand their 5G networks this week, but safety concerns from the Federal Aviation Administration have pushed that rollout back. We answer a listener question about how real those concerns are. Plus, answers to your questions about bonds, the difference between the Dow and the Nasdaq, and job listings that are hiding some important information!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Verizon and AT&T will delay 5G C-band upgrades for two more weeks from The Verge
“Airlines are concerned 5G wireless service may affect the ability to land planes” from NPR
“What the bond market can tell us about the pace of economic recovery” from Marketplace
In NYC, employers now have to list salaries on job postings from The Lily
“Why companies don’t post salaries in job adverts” from the BBC
“Transparency Is Key To Removing The Gender Pay Gap” from Forbes

If you have a question you’d like us to answer in a future episode, email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voice message at 508-827-6278 or 508-U-B-SMART.

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The telescope is expected to help researchers discover some of the most distant galaxies and study the atmosphere of planets outside our solar system to see if they’re habitable.

On the show today: what the JWST tells us about the future of public and private investment in space exploration.

Casey will also highlight the technological developments created by the JWST and its predecessor, Hubble, and how they’ve impacted industries from medical equipment to GPS technology.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“James Webb Space Telescope Launches on Journey to See the Dawn of Starlight” from The New York Times
Photo: the Hubble Deep Field
“Global Space Economy Rose to $447B in 2020, Continuing Five-Year Growth” from the Space Foundation
“NASA splits human spaceflight unit in two, reflecting new orbital economy” from Reuters
“Surging Covid-19 Puts an End to Projected Return-to-Office Dates” from The Wall Street Journal
“Rivian shares decline on 2021 production and executive departure” from CNBC
Who owned slaves in Congress? A list of 1,700 enslavers in Senate, House history from The Washington Post
Lake Superior State University’s Banished Words of 2022

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Happy (belated) 2022! We’ve returned from our holiday hiatus, and we’re discussing some of the big news stories of the past week or so, including how insurance companies are now going to be required to pay for some COVID tests. Plus, the pope makes a rare appearance in the News Fix, and our beloved former co-host has some smart things to say about schools and omicron. In the make me smile department, we’ll talk about the first Black woman to appear on the U.S. quarter and a video about the special dogs that got us through 2021.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“U.S. insurers must cover 8 at-home tests per member each month” from The New York Times
“Starbucks Union Wins Vote at Second Store, Labor Board Rules” from Bloomberg
“The IRS is warning of a messy tax season.” from The New York Times
Molly’s tweet about schools and omicron
“‘This is a disaster.’: Severity of learning lost to the pandemic comes into focus” from Politico
“Pope Scolds Couples Who Choose Pets Over Kids” from The New York Times
The Maya Angelou quarter
Video: The dogs that got us through 2021

What’s making you smile so far in 2022? Let us know. Send a voice memo or give us a call at 508-82-SMART (508-827-6278).

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Why is it so hard to raise the minimum wage? Even the leading expert on the topic isn’t quite sure.

“It’s actually really popular to raise the minimum wage in the United States, it’s popular across the partisan divide,” said Arindrajit Dube, an economist with the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. “It just becomes very embroiled in politics…. But then you put it actually as a ballot initiative, it pretty much always passes — including in red states, blue states, purple states.”

After the wage has spent more than a decade at $7.25 an hour, Dube said resistance to a hike is softening among industries like fast food and retail, which used to be hard-liners. Democrats have been trying to tie a new federal minimum wage to the COVID relief bill, but they’ve hit procedural and partisan snags.

Monday the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office added a wrinkle. Its analysis said that raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025 would lift almost a million people out of poverty and raise wages for 17 million more — but it would cost the economy 1.4 million jobs.

So today on the show we’ll go deeper into the issue with Dube, who calls the CBO projection “a bit too pessimistic.” He’ll also tell us how this conversation plays out overseas, how minimum wage hikes affect spending and gross domestic product, and why a country as big and diverse as the U.S. needs a federal minimum wage at all.

Later in the show, listeners call in with their experiences teaching in-person classes and getting the vaccine. Plus the rapper Dessa — recently behind this Janet Yellen banger — answers the Make Me Smart question.

Finally, if you’re interested in minimum wage and other labor issues in the U.S., you’ll want to check out the latest season of “The Uncertain Hour,” which is all about how the typical American job has been gigged, temped and subcontracted away.

Here are links to everything we talked about on the show today:

You can read more about Dube here: “The Burger Flipper Who Became a World Expert on the Minimum Wage” from Bloomberg
“Even a divided America agrees on raising the minimum wage” from Brookings
The CBO’s latest analysis of a minimum wage hike, and one from 2019 (be warned: both are PDFs)
“No Quick Fix for Auto Chip Shortage” from The Wall Street Journal
“Biden: Yellen needs a ‘Hamilton’ musical. Dessa: Here you go.” from “Marketplace.” You can also hear “Who’s Yellen Now?” on YouTube and all the streaming services.

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For some, life is starting to resemble something like normal. Kids are going back to school, some offices are welcoming back workers … so why are we still feeling stressed?

Social psychologist Amy Cuddy says there are a couple reasons. For one, the pandemic has gone on for so long, our coping system known as “surge capacity” is depleted.

“We then move into this regression phase where we withdraw, we get sad, agitated, we don’t want to hang out with people, we’re done with Zoom meetings. So it’s not surprising that we don’t have the capacity to feel intense positive emotions right now when we go out to that live concert,” Cuddy said.

And when you throw the coronavirus delta variant into the mix, things geteven harder. Cuddy says right now it’s common for people to experience spikes in anxiety, depression and have a desire to escape. She refers to this as “pandemic flux syndrome.” That’s not actually a clinical term. But it is real.

On today’s show, Cuddy explains the role employers can play to help workers through this chapter of the pandemic.

Later in the show, we’ll discuss how Facebook is dealing with the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan and MacKenzie Scott reshaping the nonprofit world. Plus, a longtime listener calls in with an update on paying for his twin sons’ college education.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Why this stage of the pandemic makes us so anxious” from Amy Cuddy in The Washington Post
“Vaxed, waxed, but definitely not relaxed: Welcome to the pandemic swerve” from The Washington Post
“The Afghanistan Papers: A Secret History of the War” from The Washington Post
“She was the only member of Congress to vote against the war in Afghanistan. Some called her a traitor.” from The Washington Post
“How social media is dealing with the Taliban takeover” from CNN
“MacKenzie Scott’s Money Bombs Are Single Handedly Reshaping America” from Bloomberg

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“We had social inequality of serious dimensions … even after the victories of the civil rights movement in the embrace of a so-called colorblind society,” said law professor Cheryl Harris of the University of California, Los Angeles. “And we wanted to ask, what is the role of law in that? Is this an enforcement problem?”

CRT, as it’s sometimes called, posits that racism is not just perpetuated by individuals, it’s embedded into our institutions. But Harris said recent Republican efforts to ban CRT from schools aren’t really about those decades-old discussions, but an effort to create a political “boogeyman.” Some conservative thinkers have said as much.

On today’s show, we’ll go deep with Harris on the nuances of what CRT is and isn’t, and what the recent controversy around systemic racism in schools has to do with the voting restrictions we talked about last week.

Later in the show, we’ll talk about California’s new rental-assistance program, Juneteenth commercialization and the economic conditions that would cause the rich not to get richer. (Spoiler alert: There really aren’t any.) Plus we’ll hear from a listener who is celebrating becoming debt-free.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“What is critical race theory, and why do Republicans want to ban it in schools?” from The Washington Post, which gives context to the Christopher Rufo tweets we discussed.
“See which states have passed critical race theory bills” from NBC News
“Critical race theory battle invades school boards — with help from conservative groups” also from NBC News
“Fox’s anti-“critical race theory” parents are also GOP activists” from Media Matters
“California Has a Plan to Pay the Back Rent for Low-Income Tenants. All of It.” from The New York Times
“Where the World’s Richest 1% Are Gaining Wealth the Fastest” from Bloomberg

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It’s been just over 40 years since newly elected President Ronald Reagan declared, “In this present crisis, government is not the solution to the problem, government is the problem.”

We’re about 39 years and four months away from the legislative manifestation of that idea, the Economic Recovery Tax Act, which codified “Reaganomics,” supply-side economics, trickle-down economics, whatever you want to call it.

All these decades later, we’re still talking a lot about this policy because Reagan was so good at promoting it. People could understand the metaphor of government spending as a household budget in need of a cutback, said Brown University political economist Mark Blyth.

“That rather ignores the fact that I don’t get to issue my own currency, there’s no such thing as a Kai Ryssdal bond market,” Blyth said. “But because all that stuff accords with common sense, it’s an easy sell.”

Now we’re in a new financial crisis, with plenty of data on the “trickle-up” consequences of trickle-down and a $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill. Reagan had “Morning in America,” Joe Biden has “Infrastructure Week.” On today’s show, we’ll talk with Blyth about how Reaganomics was supposed to work, its ripple effects on Democrats and whether the era of “The era of big government is over” is … over.

Later in the show, we’ll track more big firms getting rid of their offices, wade into crypto just a bit and learn about code breaker Elizebeth Smith Friedman. Plus, a correction from a 2-year-old listener.

Here are links to everything we talked about on the show today:

“Bidenomics beats Reaganomics and I should know – I saw Clintonomics fail” from previous Marketplace contributor Robert Reich in the Guardian
“2020 Was the Year Reaganism Died” by Paul Krugman in The New York Times
“Biden is planning for a Great Society 2.0” by James Hohmann in The Washington Post
“JPMorgan, Salesforce Join Growing List of Firms Dumping Office Space” from The Wall Street Journal
“US 10-year Treasury yield hits highest level since January last year” from Financial Times
“PayPal launches crypto checkout service” from Reuters
“Visa moves to allow payment settlements using cryptocurrency” also from Reuters
“How America’s ‘First Female Cryptanalyst’ Cracked the Code of Nazi Spies in World War II—and Never Lived to See the Credit” from Time magazine
Finally, listen to Molly’s interview with Make Me Smart Question answerer Aniyia Williams.

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On the final show of the year, we’re talking cheese. Specifically, the supply and demand of cream cheese in America. Plus, one of the hosts gives us their hot take on formaggio. On a more serious note, we’ll review a congressional report card on prescription drug prices and end the show with a holiday-themed round of our favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty.

And hey, thank you for joining us for our last show of 2021. We’ll be back with a new episode on Jan. 10. In the meantime, look out for some of our favorite episodes of the year in your podcast feed. Happy holidays from the “Make Me Smart” team!

Here’s everything we talked about:

“That Cream Cheese Shortage You Heard About? Cyberattacks Played a Part” from Bloomberg
“Drugmakers aim big price hikes at U.S. patients, congressional report finds” from Reuters
“House Democrats find in three-year investigation that drug prices are ‘unsustainable, unjustifiable and unfair'” from The Washington Post
“The FAA will give Bezos and Branson its last astronaut wings” from Engadget
“USPS workers want residents to know about its new holiday hours” from 13wham.com
“Office holiday parties are back and smaller than ever” from Vox
“Christmas movie production snowballs to reach new record” from BBC
“Pasadena Prepares For Rose Parade Festivities Amidst Rising COVID-19 Cases” from CBS Los Angeles
“Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ Makes History With Diamond Status” from Huff Post

New Investors Week: Your first donation to Marketplace goes TWICE as far with a dollar-for-dollar match from the Investors Challenge Fund! If you can, please give now.

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Starbucks workers at a store in Buffalo, New York, have voted to form the company’s first U.S. trade union. The move could pave the way for baristas across the country to do the same. We’ll talk about what this means for today’s labor movement and workers everywhere. Plus, a quick sprint through the news, including an update on boosters for teens and China’s Evergrande. Then, in the make me smile department, we’ll hear about an Ikea-inspired tourism campaign — and a rap song about the debt ceiling?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Starbucks Workers at Buffalo-Area Store Vote in Favor of Unionizing” from The Wall Street Journal
“What the first Starbucks union means for workers everywhere” from Vox
“Kellogg’s strike isn’t over: Workers reject deal and company says it will replace strikers” from USA Today
“Long covid is destroying careers, leaving economic distress in its wake” from The Washington Post
“Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 Booster Authorized for 16- and 17-Year-Olds” from The Wall Street Journal
“China Evergrande Defaults on Its Debt. Now What?” from The New York Times
“Sweden reclaims place names from IKEA” from CNN
Video: Remy: “Raise the Debt Ceiling Rap (Again)”

Join us on YouTube on Friday at 3:30 p.m. Pacific/6:30 p.m. Eastern for our final live happy hour episode of 2021! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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It’s the holiday season, and Americans are focused on shopping. One listener wonders what consumer spending looks like after a year of supply chain issues. We’ll also answer your questions about inflation and what qualifies as “made in America” on our last Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday of the year!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Holiday Shopping 2021: Spending set to blow past records, NRF says” from CNBC
“Clothing retailers flex pricing power and Wall Street is rewarding it” from CNBC
“What Does ‘Buying American’ Even Mean?” from Wirecutter
“What Does ‘Made in USA’ Actually Mean” from Business Insider
“Auto Index | Kogod School of Business” from American University

New Investors Week: Your first donation to Marketplace goes TWICE as far with a dollar-for-dollar match from the Investors Challenge Fund! Give Now!

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We are approaching our second winter of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we have a lot more awareness about how our mental health affects our work and how we function in society.

In the spring of 2020, adults in the U.S. were three times as likely to suffer depression or anxiety as they were the year before. While getting treatment can be expensive, the costs of untreated mental illness are often higher.

“Untreated or undertreated mental health conditions related to increased absenteeism in the workplace, what they call presenteeism, which is being present, but lower productivity, and also higher turnover rates — business should be concerned about this because it does affect their bottom line,” said Judy Bass, associate professor in the department of mental health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Bass said that pre-pandemic, those costs were pegged at $2 billion annually.

On the show today, we’ll discuss the economic costs of mental illness and the benefits of investing more in mental health care.

In the News Fix, we highlight a new report that warns of an emerging mental health crisis among young people in America.

Then we’ll hear from a listener who makes us smart about the pronunciation of “omicron,” and YouTube’s CEO answers the “Make Me Smart” question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“World Mental Health Day: an opportunity to kick-start a massive scale-up in investment in mental health” from the World Health Organization
“Surgeon general warns of emerging youth mental health crisis in rare public advisory” from The Los Angeles Times
“U.S. Surgeon General Issues Advisory on Youth Mental Health Crisis Further Exposed by COVID-19 Pandemic” from the Department of Health and Human Services
“However You Pronounce ‘Omicron,’ You’re Probably Saying It Wrong” from The Wall Street Journal
“YouTube makes the case for its ‘creative economy'” from “Marketplace Tech”

If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-237-8255.

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On the show today, Marielle Segarra joins the pod from New York to discuss a few NYC-centric stories. First, the mayor there, Bill de Blasio, announced a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all private-sector employees following the emergence of the omicron variant. Plus, bagel lovers are going bananas over a cream cheese shortage. Then, Plowy McPlowface? Jennifer Snowpez? Kids got creative naming snowplows, and it’s making us smile.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“New York City mandates shots for all private businesses amid Omicron spread” from Reuters
Is bitcoin fading?
“When federal assistance for ‘daily living’ doesn’t include parenting” from the 19th
“How a Cream Cheese Shortage Is Affecting N.Y.C. Bagel Shops” from The New York Times
“F1 Title Down to the Final Race for First Time Since 1974?” from Bloomberg
“Plowy McPlowface. Jennifer Snowpez. Kids in Vermont got to name some of the state’s snowplows, and the results are delightful” from The Boston Globe
“Boaty McBoatface: What You Get When You Let the Internet Decide” from The New York Times (published 2016)

Also, it’s Investors Week! If you haven’t donated to Marketplace’s “Make Me Smart” before, we’re offering a dollar-for-dollar match to all new and rejoining investors. If you’re in a position to give, please consider making a donation here. And, as always, thank you for listening and supporting the show.

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The U.S. lags behind other countries when it comes to making rapid at-home COVID-19 tests easily available and inexpensive. And we’re going to need to get better at it as omicron variant concerns increase and we see more indoor gatherings. Then we’ll look at the staffing shortages many schools have faced and what that’s meant for those who’ve stayed. And it’s Friday, so we’ll wrap up with a round of everyone’s favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Where are the rapid at-home antigen covid-19 tests in the US?” from Quartz
“Covid Rapid At-Home Tests: How Accurate Are They and Other Questions Answered” from The New York Times
“New York Reports Five Omicron Cases” from The New York Times
“Staff shortages mean schools lack teachers, aides, custodians, bus drivers” from The Washington Post
“Omicron may throw wrench in companies’ plans to return to office” from Reuters
“What’s at stake in the historic MLB lockout” from “Marketplace Morning Report”
“Tesla unveils electric Cyberquad ATV for kids” from Fast Company
“Your Spotify Wrapped Is Embarrassing, and I Want to See It” from The Cut

Support economic news and information for ALL by making a year-end donation today at Marketplace.org/givesmart. And thank you for your generosity.

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Almost two years into COVID-19, there are some parts of the pandemic that don’t seem to be going away. Yes, variants. But also the way we spend our money. We’ll talk about why grocery stores are still capturing the majority share of stomach and what that means in the days of omicron. Plus, a successful spacewalk, and we nerd out over today’s date.

Here’s everything we talked about:

“President Biden Announces New Actions to Protect Americans Against the Delta and Omicron Variants as We Battle COVID-19 this Winter” from the White House
“Covid vaccines: WTO chief very concerned about unequal distribution” from CNBC
“Kroger lifts profit, sales forecast on sustained grocery demand” from Reuters
“NASA astronauts conduct spacewalk postponed due to debris risk” from CNN
Kimberly’s space junk series Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3
“Today’s date is rare: it reads the same forward, backward and upside down” from the Detroit Free Press

Join us on YouTube Fridays at 3:30 p.m. Pacific/6:30 p.m. Eastern for our live happy hour episode! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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Staples Center, home of the Los Angeles Lakers, will be renamed Crypto.com Arena this month. The news made quite a splash for the cryptocurrency exchange. And it left one listener wondering how naming rights work. We look at the history of these deals and how they happen. Plus, we answer your questions about the cost of switching from gas to electric appliances, why people want to abolish the Federal Reserve and if the two-week notice is really necessary.

And finally, we’ll take some time at the end to say farewell our friend and co-host, Molly Wood.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“To Decarbonize Households, America Needs Incentives for Electric Appliances” from the Center for American Progress
“There’s a battle over your gas stove, climate change and health” from NPR
“Naming rights: Balancing art and science” from Sports Business Journal
“Staples Center to become Crypto.com Arena in reported $700 million naming rights deal” from ESPN
“The Changing Landscape Of Stadium Naming Rights Deals” from Forbes
“Is giving two weeks notice outdated?” from Marketplace
“The great resignation: Millions of Americans tell their bosses ‘I quit'” from Morning Brew

Join Marketplace’s mission to make everyone smarter about the economy. Make your year-end gift today!

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It’s time to talk about bitcoin’s digital cousin: ethereum. This is a type of blockchain operating system that allows you to trade the cryptocurrency called ether. But it does much more, including things called smart contracts that are changing the way people do business.

“What it really does is allows for the possibility that the middleman gets eliminated from the equation … if you have a good idea in blockchain and in ethereum, you can kind of go directly to users or investors to raise the money you want to start your business,” said Matt Leising, co-founder of DeCential Media, which covers the world of crypto, decentralized finance and the blockchain.

On the show today, we’ll get a lesson in how ethereum works, the advantages and disadvantages and why supporters believe it’s not going away. So regulators should catch up quick!

In the News Fix, we’ll hear positive news about boosters for teens and hear a warning about how omicron may mess with inflation. Plus, regulators are cracking down on Facebook, but they’re not the ones you’re thinking about.

Then, listeners say farewell to Molly and a bananas answer to the Make Me Smart question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Understanding Ethereum, Bitcoin’s Virtual Cousin” from The New York Times
“For Rules in Technology, the Challenge is to Balance Code and Law” from The New York Times
“Powell Lays Groundwork for Faster End to Stimulus as Inflation Outlook Worsens” from The Wall Street Journal
“Covid News: Pfizer to Seek Approval for Boosters for 16- and 17-Year-Olds” from The New York Times
“Facebook Parent Told to Sell Giphy by U.K. Regulator” from The Wall Street Journal
Audio: “Make Me Smart” listeners write a special song for Molly (visit our show page to listen)

Finally, it’s Giving Tuesday. Give now to help us reach $100,000 in donations and unlock another $100,000 from the Investors Challenge Fund. To donate, go to Marketplace.org/givesmart. And thank you for your generosity.

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Over the holiday break, epidemiologists around the world did a simultaneous face palm after news about a new COVID-19 “variant of concern.” We’ll catch you up on the omicron variant and what it might mean for the global economy. Plus, Jack Dorsey is out as CEO at Twitter and Amazon workers in Alabama get ready to vote (again.)

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Doctor: Many South Africans Ill in Surge Have Mild Symptoms” from the Associated Press
“Jack Dorsey Steps Down as Twitter CEO, Replaced by CTO Parag Agrawal” from Bloomberg
“Three Things Twitter’s New CEO Should Do to Spark a Turnaround” from Bloomberg
“NLRB calls new election at Amazon warehouse” from The Washington Post
VIDEO: “This Christmas We’re Screwed,” Mariah Carey parody
Thread: San Francisco bus operator rates scene from “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”
And if you’re looking for our banana pants sweatshirt, check it out here

Read the transcript here.

Giving Tuesday challenge: Give now to help us reach $100,000 in donations and unlock another $100,000 from the Investors Challenge Fund. https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

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By now, you’ve probably heard that Jerome Powell has been nominated to serve another four years as chair of the Federal Reserve, our nation’s central bank. As we talked about on the show Monday, the decision boiled down to a political calculus. But what does the Fed do anyway? And why do we need it?

“The main reason why the Fed itself was created was because in the lead-up to 1913, which is when it was created, there were a bunch of bank runs. It was sort of every bank for itself back then, where banks would issue their own money. There wasn’t a central source of money printing. And so, if one bank maybe ran into trouble, people would run and pull their money out,” said Victoria Guida, who covers the Federal Reserve for Politico.

So basically, the Fed is supposed to be there when things go wrong to maintain the health of our economy. But the Fed does a lot of other things, like control borrowing costs and regulate banks.

On the show today, Guida explains the evolution of the Fed and how it touches the life of every person in this economy and may be making wealth inequality worse.

In the News Fix, we stick with the theme of the day and highlight a story about why presidents shouldn’t mess with the independence of the central bank. Also, inflation is coming to a dollar store near you.

Later, we’ll hear from a listener who is changing up his holiday shopping habits this year and talk Thanksgiving turducken-inspired cocktails!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Biden renames Powell to lead Fed, risking the left’s wrath” Guida’s latest in Politico
“Did the Federal Reserve make economic inequality worse?” from Marketplace
“Turkish lira in historic 15% crash after Erdogan stokes fire sale” from Reuters
“Dollar Tree hikes prices 25%. Most items will cost $1.25” from CNN

Read the transcript here.

We will be off the rest of the week for the holiday break. We are so grateful for our listeners and wish you a happy Thanksgiving!

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President Joe Biden says he wants to reappoint Jerome Powell to serve as chair of the Federal Reserve for a second term. It’s a big deal, but it wasn’t unexpected. We’ll explain the political calculus behind the decision. Plus, we’ll highlight a few long reads you may have missed over the weekend, including one about how China is winning the clean energy contest. And a “Turducken”-inspired Thanksgiving dessert, plus we ask listeners to share their version of a “Turducken” Thanksgiving cocktail.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“President Biden’s Appointments for the Federal Reserve” from The New York Times
“How the U.S. Lost Ground to China in the Contest for Clean Energy” also from The New York Times
“Why Japan Appears Immune to Global Inflation Surge, So Far” from The Wall Street Journal
“‘Buy the Constitution’ Aftermath: Everyone Very Mad, Confused, Losing Lots of Money, Fighting, Crying, Etc.” from Vice
“The Amazon lobbyists who kill US consumer privacy protections” from Reuters
“US lawmakers call for privacy legislation after Reuters report on Amazon lobbying” more from Reuters
“Amazon Leaks” from Reveal
“Kenosha protesters demonstrate Sunday after Rittenhouse acquittal” from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Check out these really funny photos of animals in the wild
The Wongducken

Read the transcript here.

Tomorrow, we’re doing a deep dive into the Federal Reserve. If you have a question about the central bank and how it works, send a voice memo or give us a call at 508-82-SMART (508-827-6278).

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Austria is getting ready for another round of COVID-19 lockdowns. With vaccine mandates hitting a roadblock in the United States and the fully vaccinated rate under 60%, we discuss the likelihood of another winter wave in America. Plus, we follow the drama over the auctioning of a rare copy of the U.S. Constitution. And, the hosts play our favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Austria lockdown starts Monday; tourist travel ‘will not be possible'” from USA Today
“Copy of U.S. Constitution Sells for $43.2 Million as Crypto Group DAO Is Outbid” from The Wall Street Journal
“Citadel CEO Ken Griffin pays $43.2 million for Constitution copy, outbidding crypto group” from CNBC
“UC slams the door on standardized admissions tests, nixing any SAT alternative” from The Los Angeles Times
“Ford Scraps Plan to Develop an Electric Vehicle With Rivian” from The Wall Street Journal
“United Airlines Resumes Hard Liquor Service Before Holiday Travel” from Business Insider
“MoviePass relaunch may happen soon, says cofounder” from Fast Company
“NYC to host New Year’s Eve in Times Square for fully vaccinated attendees” from CNBC
“Reese’s reveas its largest peanut butter cup yet” from CNN
“Staples Center to be renamed Crypto.com Arena as part of 20-year naming rights deal” from The Athletic

Read the transcript here.

Thank you for everyone who joined us on YouTube today. We’re live Fridays at 3:30 p.m. Pacific/6:30 p.m. Eastern for happy hour! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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Crypto enthusiasts came through. They’ve raised $40 million to buy a rare copy of the U.S. Constitution that’s up for auction to put it back in “the hands of the people.” We’ll explain how this all ties into what’s happening in the crypto space. Plus, why inflation is hitting some parts of the United States harder than others and the problem with Biden’s plan to open ports 24/7. Oh, and smiling quokkas!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“A group of crypto investors is trying to buy a copy of the Constitution — for $40 million” from CNN
“Truckers Steer Clear of 24-Hour Operations at Southern California Ports” from The Wall Street Journal
“Where Inflation Is Highest in US” also from The Wall Street Journal
“US auctions off oil and gas drilling leases in Gulf of Mexico after climate talks” from The Guardian
“Furor Over Peng Shuai’s #Metoo Accusation Challenges China” from The New York Times
Smiling quokka’s
Video: “Top Gun,” Ohio State vs. Purdue halftime

Read the transcript here.

Join us on YouTube Fridays at 3:30 p.m. Pacific/6:30 p.m. Eastern for our live happy hour episode! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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Texas is throwing a bit of shade at California. In a recent ad, it says Texas ports are open and ready to solve the nation’s supply chain problems. But can ships really be diverted from the Port of Los Angeles to Houston? It’s not as easy as it sounds. Plus, we’ll answer your questions about why skyscrapers keep lights on at night, ESG investing and the origin story behind a piece of Marketplace merch.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Why Container Ships Can’t Sail Around the California Ports Bottleneck” from The Wall Street Journal
“Column: More nonsense from Texas Gov. Abbott” from The Los Angeles Times
“Why Is New York City’s Skyline Always Lit Up?” from The New York Times
“Is ESG investing really socially responsible?” from “Marketplace”
Our episode on ESG investing: “Can capitalists save the planet?”
Get your Marketplace Vintage Kai Tee

Read the transcript here.

Thanks to those of you who sent us questions this week. If you have a question you’d like our hosts to answer in a future episode, call us at 508-82-SMART (508-827-6278) or send a voice memo.

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At the start of the pandemic, and even a little before (remember the U.S.-China trade war?), some folks wondered if we were about to see the end of offshoring and whether U.S. companies would start to bring factories and jobs back from overseas.

The process is known as onshoring, and the idea was that everything from personal protective equipment to semiconductors would soon be made in the USA, driven mostly by Donald Trump’s tariffs and the pandemic’s supply chain shortages.

So that got us wondering, are we doing that? Is onshoring happening?

“You got me. I think we economists have been intellectually dishonest and just putting this narrative out. But nobody’s actually gone to check to see what’s really happening,” said Megan Greene, an economist and senior fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School.

Greene said there’s not a ton of good data out there, but the data we do have shows onshoring is just not a thing right now.

On the show today, Greene does some myth busting about why companies aren’t rushing to bring production back to the United States. She also explains why globalization isn’t over and what the future of global supply chains might look like.

In the News Fix, an awesome tech story about NBA star Stephen Curry followed by a bizarre crypto-themed one. Plus, space junk is a growing problem. Then, we hear from listeners who are part of the Great Resignation movement. And a listener calls in with thoughts on that newborn baby smell.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Don’t believe the deglobalisation narrative” Megan Greene’s latest from The Financial Times
“No, the Pandemic Will Not Bring Jobs Back From China” from Foreign Policy
“Carbon Tax, Beloved Policy to Fix Climate Change, Is Dead at 47” from The Atlantic
“Crypto Investors Want to Buy Rare Copy of U.S. Constitution” from The Wall Street Journal
“In basketball, the right tech can improve your shot” from “Marketplace Tech”
“Russian anti-satellite missile test endangers space station crew” from Reuters
“The Smell of Newborn Babies Triggers the Same Reward Centers as Drugs” from Smithsonian magazine

Read the transcript here.

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We often look to history to stop us from making the same mistakes we’ve made in the past. But as American policymakers mounted their economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic, they looked to the Great Recession, and they may have overcorrected a bit. We’ll discuss how the crises compare and why it may explain a lot about where we find ourselves today. Plus, Wall Street is worried about the “antiwork” movement, and a listener sent us a story about a lost teddy bear with a happy ending. It’s making us smile.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“How America’s Pandemic Economic Response Fought the Last War” from The New York Times
“How the U.S. Hid an Airstrike That Killed Dozens of Civilians in Syria” also from The New York Times
“‘Antiwork’ movement may be long-run risk to labor force participation: Goldman Sachs” from Yahoo
“Elon Musk Sold $5 Billion In Tesla Stock This Week As Shares Plunged Following Twitter Poll” from Forbes
“Elon Musk faces a $15 billion tax bill, which is likely the real reason he’s selling stock” from CNBC
“Girl reunited with teddy bear lost nearly a year earlier in Glacier National Park” from NBC News

Read the transcript here.

If there’s something making you smile on this Monday, let us know. Send a voice memo or give us a call at 508-82-SMART (508-827-6278).

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The United Nations COP26 climate summit is going into overtime because there’s still a lot of work left to do. We’ll explain why the meeting has been a disappointment both in terms of results and in terms of what it’s meant for the spread of climate misinformation. Plus, good news on the vaccine beat. Mandates work! Also, happy birthday, Molly’s mom. And … we have Make Me Smart T-shirts and sweatshirts! You can get yours at Marketplace.org/shop.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“These researchers are trying to stop misinformation from derailing climate progress” from NPR
“Opinion | Social Media Is Polluted With Climate Denialism” from The New York Times
“COP26 Live Updates: Negotiators Race to Reach Climate Deal” from The New York Times
Twitter thread from NBC’s Ben Collins on vaccine mandates
“YouTube Will Hide ‘Dislike’ Counts to Avoid Creator Pile-Ons” from Bloomberg
“Walmart is using fully driverless trucks to ramp up its online grocery business” from CNBC
“There isn’t enough space for all the trees companies want to plant” from Marketplace
“The Popularity of E-Bikes Isn’t Slowing Down” from The New York Times
“McDonald’s teams up with Mariah Carey for holiday promotion” from CNBC
“Arby’s Is Launching a French Fry Flavored Vodka, Available in Crinkle and Curly” from People

Read the transcript here.

Thanks to everyone who joined us live on YouTube for this episode! We’re live Fridays at 3:30 p.m. Pacific/6:30 p.m. Eastern for happy hour! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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Electric truck startup Rivian made its debut in the public markets. It’s sold less than 200 vehicles, so how could the company be valued at $86 billion, more than Ford and almost the same amount at GM? We’ll explain what’s really going on in the EV market. Plus, a true hollowed-out shell of story about our climate and why COP26, the United Nations conference, probably won’t help much. Also, Iceland trolls Mark Zuckerberg, and we’re here for it!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Rivian Shares Surge in Largest U.S. IPO Since 2014” from The Wall Street Journal
“World’s militaries avoiding scrutiny over emissions, scientists say” from The Guardian
“Justice Department Sues Uber Over Charging Wait-Time Fees for Disabled People” from The Wall Street Journal
“Nuclear Fusion Is Close Enough to Start Dreaming” from Bloomberg
“Biden Marks First Veterans Day in Two Decades Without a War Underway” from The New York Times
“The Icelandverse”

Read the transcript here.

Join us on YouTube Fridays at 3:30 p.m. Pacific/6:30 p.m. Eastern for our live happy hour episode! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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We’re inflating! Today, we got word that consumer prices jumped the highest they ever have in the last 30 years. One listener wants to know how much of that has to do with former President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs. The answer? Not as much as you’d think. Plus, we’re fielding your questions about who is or isn’t keeping governments and businesses accountable on climate action, and the origin of “bananapants.”

Here is everything we talked about today:

“U.S. Inflation Hit 30-Year High in October as Consumer Prices Jump 6.2%” from The Wall Street Journal
“Yellen says reciprocal lowering of tariffs could help ease inflation” from Reuters
“Q&A: Understanding Paris Agreement NDCs” from the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions
Wonk out with the October jobs report (Table A-15 is on page 28)
And the episode that made “bananapants” a thing on “Make Me Smart”

Read the transcript here.

Thanks to all of you who submitted a question. If you’d like the hosts to answer a question in an upcoming episode, call us at 508-82-SMART (508-827-6278) or send a voice memo.

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Listeners, it’s time to talk about the Great Resignation.

That’s the name used to describe this moment in time as a large number of American workers quit their jobs at unprecedented rates.

“I also like a lot of other great R-words. I use the Great Reshuffling to talk about the uptick in migration and business formation. I talk about the Great Rudeness when it comes to the fact that a lot of people have been sort of locked in their houses for the last year or at least going out less, or, you know, being rather jerkish to flight attendants and waitstaff. And I also call it the Great Reset, because … I think a lot of people are not only rethinking what exactly they want to do for eight hours a day in their next job, they’re also thinking about rethinking about their relationship with work,” said Derek Thompson, who has been writing about this phenomenon for The Atlantic.

According to the Labor Department, 4.3 million workers left their jobs in August. The quits rate, as it’s called, is up to 2.9%, the highest since the department started keeping track. We usually look at the quits rate as an indicator about how optimistic workers are feeling about their ability to find another job.

On the show today, we’ll talk about the reasons driving people to leave their jobs right now, why it might actually be a good thing for the American workforce and what it means for our complicated relationship with work.

In the News Fix: a portrait of some of the underrepresented voices in our economy and what happened when they banded together. Plus, we’ll highlight a couple of the less talked about parts of the infrastructure package.

Also, after one of our hosts (it was Kai) reveals his dislike for the Great Resignation moniker, some listeners call with their own suggestions. And what a pup taught a “Make Me Smart” listener about her love for dogs.

When you’re done listening, tell your Echo device to “make me smart” for our daily explainers. This week we’re doing the numbers on health insurance and explaining HIPPA and the problems with being underinsured. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter! You can find the latest issue here.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The Great Resignation Is Accelerating” from Derek Thompson in The Atlantic
“The Religion of Workism Is Making Americans Miserable” also from Thompson in The Atlantic
“The Great Resignation’ Misses the Point” from Wired
“Inside the fast-food workers’ rebellion at a McDonald’s in Bradford, Pa” from The Washington Post
“Congress’ new mandate to carmakers: Figure out a way to stop drunk driving” from NPR
ICYMI: Our episode on Modern Monetary Theory

Read the transcript here.

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After years and years of trying, Congress finally came through with a bipartisan infrastructure bill. On the show today, we’ll discuss what’s actually in the bill and what it means for the economy. Plus, you may have noticed more and more businesses are pulling back on what they offer their customers without reducing their prices. Well, it’s not your imagination, it’s a thing dubbed “skimpflation.” And, finally, we end the show on a literal smile!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Roads, transit, internet: What’s in the infrastructure bill” from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch
“Countries’ climate pledges built on flawed data, Post investigation finds” from The Washington Post
“Moms with access to remote work were most likely to leave their jobs in pandemic, new research shows” from The 19th
Opinion | “American Airlines’ cancellations are a window into why people are so upset with the economy” from The Washington Post
Here’s a photo of a smiley face on the side of a hill in Oregon
Video: Jurassic Park but with a cat!

Read the transcript here.

Don’t miss tomorrow’s deep dive into the Great Resignation. If you’ve quit your job during the pandemic, we want to hear from you. Send a voice memo or give us a call at 508-82-SMART (508-827-6278).

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The stock market might not be the best way to understand how the economy’s doing, but the bond market is a different story. On the show today, Kai gives us his read on the bond market and the clues to our economic future it can provide. Plus, we discuss a big labor and sports story: NFL star Aaron Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19. And we wrap up the week with our favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty.

U.S. 10-year Treasury note prices
“Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers tests positive for COVID-19, source says“ from ESPN
“Aaron Rodgers tells radio show he is unvaccinated, getting Covid advice from Joe Rogan” from CNN
“Elon Musk Says Tesla Hasn’t Signed Contract With Hertz Despite Earlier Announcement” from The Wall Street Journal
Meghan Markle is calling U.S. senators to pass paid leave from Insider
“Can a magic box full of new tech help solve the climate crisis?” from “How We Survive”
“For hotels, leisure travel is roaring back” from “Marketplace”
“How NFTs could change the music industry … for better or worse” from “Marketplace”

Read the transcript here.

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In a new securities filing, Exxon says some of its oil and gas reserves may face impairment, which means they will likely have to stay in the ground because of climate change. On the show today, we’ll discuss why this is big deal. Plus, the incoming New York City mayor wants to get paid in bitcoin, Hawaii is welcoming back tourists and tacos in space!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Exxon warns some assets may be at risk for impairment due to climate change” from Reuters
“Hawaii Eases Covid Restrictions and Reopens for Tourists” from The New York Times
“New York City’s mayor-elect says he wants to get paid in Bitcoin” from The Verge
“NASA’s Latest Breakthrough: ‘Best Space Tacos Yet'” from The New York Times
“Republican Edward Durr, Truck Driver Who Spent $153 on Campaign, Defeats New Jersey Senate President” from Yahoo
And a photo of Willow.

Read the transcript here.

Join us on YouTube Fridays at 3:30 p.m. Pacific/6:30 p.m. Eastern for our live happy hour episode! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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Gas prices are up, and one listener wanted to know who is and who isn’t to blame. On the show today, we do a little fact-checking on who’s really responsible for the high price at the pump. Plus, we’ll answer a lingering question about the carbon tax and explain how companies make money from the stock market. And Molly shares some important news about a big change she’s making.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Why politicians have little sway over gas prices” from “Marketplace”
“Three Reasons Why Gas Prices Are So High Right Now” from Business Insider
ICYMI: our episode on the case for a carbon tax
MIT’s study on carbon taxes
“Understanding how an IPO gets priced” from “Marketplace”

Read the transcript here.

Keep sending your questions. Call us at 508-82-SMART (508-827-6278) or send a voice memo.

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Economics is a social science. It involves theories and models and lots of math. So why is it so hard for economists to agree? And why is there often a disconnect between what economists say will happen and what actually happens in the real economy? That’s something Molly has been wondering about. So we turned it into a show and called in some help.

Colin Camerer, the Robert Kirby professor of behavioral economics at the California Institute of Technology, says there’s a big divide between microeconomics and macroeconomics.

“It’s a little bit like geology, where we understand a lot about about rocks and mountains and how old they are, that’s micro, and earthquake forecasting, in which we know that there will be a big quake … but we don’t know if it’s gonna be next year, five years, 10 years … that’s kind of like macro.”

On the show today, Camerer explains the role economists play in society and how we should be thinking about what they tell us, especially since their findings sometimes drive public policy debates.

In the news fix, America is in a AI battle with China, and it’s not looking great for team USA. Plus, who is really benefiting from Zillow’s failed plan to flip thousands of homes?

We’ll also hear from listeners who have mixed feelings about the outcome of the COP26 climate summit and an answer to the Make Me Smart question that has us wondering whether anything we know is true anymore.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“A New Study of Economics as a Science Says It’s Still Dismal” from Wired
“What economists have gotten wrong for decades” from Vox
“US has already lost AI fight to China, says ex-Pentagon software chief” from the Financial Times
“Zillow Seeks to Sell 7,000 Homes for $2.8 Billion After Flipping Halt” from Bloomberg
“COP26: 7 climate takeaways from Day 1 of the Glasgow talks” from CNN

Read the transcript here.

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The big story from the weekend is the start of the United Nations COP26 climate conference. And even though we’re watching it, we’re wondering if the meeting will lead to any major changes to get a deal done. We’ll discuss the meeting’s potential. Plus, an update on New York City workers and COVID-19 vaccine mandates, and the Halloween supply chain.

Here’s everything we talked about:

“Climate finance could make or break the COP26 summit. Here’s why” from Reuters
“Warnings of violence before Jan. 6 precipitated the Capitol riot” from The Washington Post
“Thousands of New York City Workers to Lose Pay as Vaccine Mandate Starts Monday” from The Wall Street Journal
“China Locks 30,000 Visitors Inside Shanghai Disneyland After One Guest Got Covid-19” also from The Wall Street Journal
“Biden Finds Raising Corporate Tax Rates Easier Abroad Than at Home” from The New York Times
“Covid Deaths Top 5 Million Even as Vaccines Slash Fatality Rate” from Bloomberg
“How The Supply Chain Stole Halloween” from The New York Times
Here’s the dog who dressed up as the Evergiven

Read the transcript here.

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Even if you don’t know the name Marc Andreessen, you’ve probably interacted with one of his companies. He’s the man behind some of the very first web browsers, Mosaic and Netscape, a Facebook board member and a venture capitalist with investments Twitter, Lyft, Roblox, Airbnb, Stripe and more. He’s also getting into crypto, and that makes us nervous. On today’s show, Kai talks about it with guest co-host Marielle Segarra. Plus: the Starbucks’ unions, new vaccine approvals and another round of our favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“FDA Clears Pfizer Coronavirus Vaccine for Young Children” from The New York Times
“Starbucks workers will vote on union at 3 Buffalo stores” from ABC News
“Big Hires, Big Money and a D.C. Blitz: A Bold Plan to Dominate Crypto” from The New York Times
“Pandemic Cigarette-Smoking Boom Appears to Be Over” from The Wall Street Journal
And our Half Full/Half Empty topics: SPACs in the dictionary, Patagonia’s Facebook boycott, Hertz’s green pledge, the McRib NFT and Marielle’s new fridge.
“Jumping the shark”

Read the transcript here.

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Earlier today, Mark Zuckerberg announced he’d be heading Facebook’s new parent company, Meta. It will also cover WhatsApp, Instagram and any future properties, including the virtual reality “metaverse” that inspired the company’s name. We’ll also talk about more infrastructure bill struggles and a new universal basic income effort in Los Angeles on this not-so-grim Hollowed-Out-Shell Thursday.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Facebook changes corporate name to Meta” from The New York Times
“Mark Zuckerberg is betting Facebok’s future on the metaverse” from The Verge
“Los Angeles is launching the US’ biggest universal basic income pilot” from Yahoo
“Woman sues Kellog over lack of strawberries in strawberry Pop-Tarts” from The Washington Post
“The Facts on Trump’s fraud letter” from The Wall Street Journal
“America’s economic recovery hits a major roadblock” from CNN

Join us on YouTube Fridays at 3:30 p.m. Pacific/6:30 p.m. Eastern for our live happy hour episode! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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Last week, we took a deep dive into the world of decentralized finance, or DeFi. And y’all had some follow-up questions! Today we’re answering a few from listeners about possible uses of DeFi, possible risks and how regulation might work.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show:

“Cryptocurrency-based decentralized finance takes on Wall Street” from Fortune
“What’s DeFi? Crypto-based decentralized finance explained” from CNBC
“FATF Will Finally Publish Crypto Anti-Money Laundering Guidance Next Week” from Coindesk via Yahoo
“How to green cryptocurrencies” from Politico
“Bitcoin’s Most Profitable Use: The $540 Billion Overseas Remittance Business?” from Investopedia

Read the transcript here.

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How big is your carbon footprint? Do you really know? If it was taxed, you’d find out one way or another. Maybe the cost of carbon gets added on like a sales tax, or maybe the producer gets hit with additional taxes and passes the cost onto you, like a tariff. Either way, you’ll learn something. It’s an idea some Democrats have been kicking around. So has the European Union. Ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP26, which starts this weekend in Glasgow, we’re going to step back and explain the carbon tax. Joining us to help with that is economist Shi-Ling Hsu, a professor at Florida State University College of Law and author of “The Case for a Carbon Tax.”

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The 5 most important questions about carbon taxes, answered” from Vox
A nifty map of existing carbon pricing programs around the world
“Ahead of COP26, UN report says G-20 is failing to fight climate change” from The Washington Post
“Disneyland ticket prices rise as much as 8%; parking up 20%” from the Los Angeles Times
“Hey, Kid, Wanna See Some Leaked Facebook Docs?” from Gizmodo
“Biden names Jessica Rosenworcel as first female FCC chair” from The Washington Post
Molly’s interview with Rosenworcel on “Marketplace Tech”

Read the transcript here.

Finally: We need your voice memos! Tell us what you think of the show or ask a question for Kai Ryssdal and Molly Wood to answer! Here’s how to do it.

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The whistleblower-driven “Facebook Files” investigation at The Wall Street Journal has expanded to include a whole consortium of journalists and a flood of reporting. Oh, and it’s called “The Facebook Papers” now. We’ll talk about the high-level stuff and the company’s response at today’s blockbuster earnings call. Later on, we’ll talk about a disappointing update to the family leave proposal from the White House and hear a spooky song from a listener.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

A handy Google doc with all the “Facebook Papers” stories (h/t Katie Harbath)
“Four revelations from the Facebook Papers” from the Financial Times
“Zuckerberg slams recent negative press before painting rosy, futuristic vision for Facebook” from CNBC
“How Frances Haugen Became a Power Player in the Facebook Leaks” from The New York Times
“Taxing Billionaires to Pay for Biden’s Agenda: What to Know About the Democrats’ Plan” from The Wall Street Journal
“How 4 Weeks of US Paid Leave Would Compare With the Rest of the World” from The New York Times
“Hertz Orders 100,000 Tesla Model 3 Cars for Rental Fleet, TSLA Stock Surges” from Bloomberg

Read the transcript here.

Finally: We need your voice memos! Tell us what you think of the show or ask a question for Kai Ryssdal and Molly Wood to answer! Here’s how to do it.

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We’ve been gripped today by the tragic accident on the set of the Western movie “Rust.” Star Alec Baldwin’s prop gun discharged while shooting Thursday, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounding Joel Souza, the film’s director. The investigation is ongoing, but the reporting that’s come out of the New Mexico set so far indicates this is a much more complicated story about labor unions and workplace safety. We’ll talk about it today, plus Facebook’s rebranding and the merits of closed captioning. And, of course, we’ll play our favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Haugen claims backed by new Facebook whistleblower filing with SEC” from The Washington Post
“Donald Trump Does a SPAC Deal” from Bloomberg
“Trump SPAC skyrockets as much as 1,657% since deal was announced” from CNN, plus this thread
“Alec Baldwin ‘Rust’ camera crew walked off the set in protest before the fatal shooting” from the Los Angeles Times
“Alec Baldwin Was Told Gun in Fatal Shooting on Set Was Safe, Officials Say” from The New York Times
And our Half Full/Half Empty topics: bitcoin ETF, the Earthshot prize, PayPal acquiring Pinterest, Facebook’s new name and AMC adding closed captioning

Read the transcript here.

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We’re talking about twin reports from the federal government today, focused on the risks climate change poses to the American economy and global security. It’s, uh, not good. We’ll talk about what’s in each, why the White House wants that information out now and the Joe Manchin of it all. Plus, Big Tech earnings, Jerome Powell’s next moves and a little WeWork news on this grab bag of a Hollowed-Out Shell Thursday.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Report: Climate change is an “emerging threat” to U.S. economic stability” from Axios
“White House, intelligence agencies, Pentagon issue reports warning that climate change threatens global security” from The Washington Post
“Apple’s ad business sees windfall; is accused of breaking its own privacy rules” from 9to5 Mac
“Snap plummets 22% after missing on revenue expectations” from CNBC
“Facebook stock drops after company warns Apple’s privacy changes to have bigger Q3 impact” from TechCrunch
“Facebook plans to change company name to focus on the metaverse” from The Verge
“Fed cracks down on trading by top officials in wake of scandal” from Politico
“Scoop: “How about zero?” Manchin, Sanders get heated behind closed doors” from Axios
“Adam Neumann hosts booze-soaked party as WeWork stock soars in debut” from The New York Post
“Djokovic will need to be vaccinated to play Australian Open: minister” from Reuters

Read the transcript here.

Join us on YouTube Fridays at 3:30 p.m. Pacific/6:30 p.m. Eastern for our live happy hour episode! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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When President Joe Biden announced last week that the Port of Los Angeles would begin operating 24 hours a day, it left one of our listeners asking why the port wasn’t doing that already. We answer that, and ponder future supply chain relief. Plus, we answer some additional questions about the Great Resignation, Zoom’s carbon footprint and banana pants!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Pay or delay: Importers caught in shipping backup face limited options” from “Marketplace”
“Biden announces Port of LA will be open 24 hours a day in effort to ease cargo backlog” from CBSLA
“COVID pandemic is not the supply chain’s only problem” from The Washington Post
“Trucking industry not confident in Biden’s 24/7 port plan” from the Commercial Carrier Journal
“The Great Resignation Is Accelerating” from The Atlantic
“The Great Resignation goes global” from the Washington Post
“How to reduce the environmental impact of your next virtual meeting” from MIT News
“Are Zoom video calls destroying the planet?” from Sustainablog

Read the transcript here.

Our show needs your voice! Tell us what you think of the show or ask a question for our hosts to answer! Send a voice memo or give us a call at 508-82-SMART (508-827-6278).

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Imagine what it would be like if you didn’t have to wait days for your paycheck to be processed by the bank. Or getting a loan without having to go through a bank loan officer.

That’s finance, decentralized. Fans of decentralized finance believe DeFi has the potential to make our current financial system more efficient, accessible and affordable by getting rid of intermediaries like banks, brokers and exchanges.

“The goal of DeFi is to make financial services more democratic,” says Linda Jeng, a visiting scholar of financial technology and adjunct professor at Georgetown Law. “That means more open access. Anyone should be able to use it. It’s about empowering the customer. So users get to decide the rules of the game.”

There’s a lot of hype around DeFi. It’s gone from $1 billion industry in 2018 to $90 billion in 2021. But there’s not a lot of regulation.

On the show today, we’ll talk about the risks and rewards of decentralized finance.

In the newsfix, we’ll stay on the DeFi theme and discuss a new Securities and Exchange Commission report on the GameStop brouhaha and explain why coal-fired power is on the rise in America. Plus, a “Make Me Smart” listener weighs in on the difference between sailing and yachting.

When you’re done listening, tell your Echo device to “make me smart” for our daily explainers. This week we’ll explain the business behind Halloween candy and haunted houses. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter! You can find the latest issue here.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Crypto Banking and Decentralized Finance, Explained” from The New York Times
“Crypto’s ‘DeFi’ Projects Aren’t Immune to Regulation, SEC’s Gensler Says” from The Wall Street Journal
“Coal-fired power is on the rise in America for the first time since 2014” from CNN
“Behind the Energy Crisis: Fossil Fuel Investment Drops, and Renewables Aren’t Ready” from The Wall Street Journal
“Explainer: Why did the SEC release a report on GameStop?” from Reuters
“Joe Manchin’s ‘blind trust’ is an utter farce | Will Bunch Newsletter” from The Philadelphia Inquirer
“Algorithms are often biased. What if tech firms were held responsible?” from “Marketplace Tech”

Read the transcript here.

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Here’s a sign that we need action on climate change. Water levels in one of the world’s most iconic lakes, Lake Tahoe, have plummeted. That’s not good. Federal climate legislation could help, but basically the entire GOP and Democrat Joe Manchin are opposed. We’ll discuss what means for our climate priorities at home and abroad. Plus, the superrich are getting richer, and a poetic Make Me Smile moment.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Joe Manchin reportedly opposes key Biden climate program” from NPR
“Lake Tahoe waters plummet due to drought and climate change” from the Los Angeles Times
“The myth of the climate moderate: Joe Manchin isn’t a centrist” from Vox
“Video Message of the Holy Father on the occasion of the Fourth World Meeting of Popular Movements (EMMP) (16 October 2021) | Francis” from the Vatican
“Zillow Pauses Homebuying as Tech-Powered Flipping Hits Snag” from Yahoo
“Jerome Powell Sold More Than a Million Dollars of Stock as the Market Was Tanking” from The American Prospect
“Top 1% of U.S. Earners Now Hold More Wealth Than All of the Middle Class” from Bloomberg
“Netflix Estimates ‘Squid Game’ Will Be Worth Almost $900 Billion” from Bloomberg
Monday’s listener-submitted Make Me Smile

Read the transcript here.

What’s making you smile these days? Let us know. Send a voice memo or give us a call at 508-82-SMART (508-827-6278).

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This week, Apple and Netflix fired employees who also happened to be involved in speaking out against their respective employers. What does this all mean for how we think about work? We’ll discuss it. Plus, it turns out Americans want smaller government and we end the week with a round of our favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Opinion | Americans want smaller government, Gallup has found. Democrats should heed the message and revise their agenda.” from The Washington Post
“Rising Rents Stoke Inflation Data, a Concern for Washington” from The New York Times
“Column: Imagine what else lurks in those 650,000 emails” from The Associated Press
“Netflix just fired the organizer of the trans employee walkout” from The Verge
“Apple just fired a leader of the #AppleToo movement” from The Verge
“More buildings being converted to apartments than ever before” from Marketplace
“You do want fries with that: Wendy’s and Google bet on drive-thru AI” from Marketplace
“Best Buy makes bigger push into home healthcare with acquisition of Current Health” from Seeking Alpha
“McDonald’s launching Beyond Meat’s “McPlant” burger in 8 US cities” from Forbes
“Social media users turn traditional Christmas tress into spooky Halloween centerpieces” from The Daily Mail

Read the transcript here.

Our show needs your voice! Tell us what you think of the show or ask a question for our hosts to answer! Send a voice memo or give us a call at 508-82-SMART (508-827-6278).

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We’re barely getting out of one fight over the debt ceiling and we’re already looking down the road to the next one. Will the GOP come around before the December deadline? We’ll discuss why this game of chicken might not end well. Plus, China says RIP to LinkedIn, and Nokia is dropping a new brick phone!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“White House banking on another McConnell retreat over the debt ceiling” from Politico
Grey Horse newsletter on the mental and emotional effects of social media
“Microsoft Folds LinkedIn Social-Media Service in China” from The Wall Street Journal
“Lawmakers pressure secretary of state to act on “crisis” posed by “Havana syndrome” as cases mount” from CBS News
“Nokia releasing new version of 6310 phone — and it still has Snake!” from The Daily Mail
“How space researchers knew that 90-year-old William Shatner didn’t have to worry about his age” from CNN

Read the transcript here.

If you or someone you care for is in distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (en Español: 1-888-628-9454; deaf and hard of hearing: 1-800-799-4889) or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

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The House of Representatives might’ve voted on a short-term spending solution on the debt ceiling, but one of our listeners is still wondering where the debt limit came from and why it’s a thing. We’ll get into the history, which goes back to World War I. Plus, we’ll answer your questions about retirement, carbon capture and the landscape services industry.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“U.S. House votes for short-term debt ceiling fix, averting default” from Reuters
The 1954 article on the history of the debt limit from The Monkey Cage blog
“Carbon capture technology has been around for decades — here’s why it hasn’t taken off” from CNBC
“How Elon Musk will award $100 million in carbon capture contest” from NBC News
Some stats on the landscape industry

Read the transcript here.

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We’ve gone from lead-acid batteries in our cars to the lithium-ion batteries that power our phones and devices in a relatively short amount of time.

The next generation of batteries will need to be big enough to power homes, cities and our electrical grid because experts believe that’ll be key to our transition away from fossil fuels.

“Batteries have really been called the glue of the clean-energy economy because … the wind doesn’t always blow, the sun doesn’t always shine … and so we need to have not only enough storage for the few minutes or the few hours between uses, but we need to be able to provide that super-high-reliability storage for hours, days, weeks and seasons,” said Dan Kammen, an energy professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and adviser for innovative energy solutions at the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Our current go-to battery technology is lithium ion. But there are so many other technologies coming online that will become the core of our clean energy economy.

On today’s show: one of the most hopeful climate-related deep dives we’ve had in a while. We’ll talk with Kammen about some of the latest battery technology and what it’s going to take to make it cheaper, greener and accessible to all.

Side note: Molly Wood is doing a whole podcast on lithium batteries called “How We Survive.” Don’t forget to subscribe!

In the news fix, we get hard numbers on how climate change is affecting people all over the world and explain the latest fight over vaccine mandates in Texas.

Plus, a listener gives us a firsthand account of the oil spill off the coast of Southern California, and an answer to the Make Me Smart question that will get you thinking about your toothbrush.

When you’re done listening, tell your Echo device to “make me smart” for our daily explainers. This week we’ll explain the global supply chain mess, a new form of advertising in the NBA, and the cult success of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter! You can find the latest issue here.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“World’s largest energy storage system completes Phase II in Moss Landing” from The Monterey Herald
“The Battery Boom Will Draw $620 In Investment by 2040” from Bloomberg
“Renewable energy: getting to 100% requires cheap energy storage. But how cheap?” from Vox
“At least 85 percent of the world’s population has been affected by human-induced climate change, new study shows” from The Washington Post
“Texas Gov. Greg Abbott bans any COVID-19 vaccine mandates — including for private employers” from The Texas Tribune

Read the transcript here.

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Netflix suspended a trans employee who took to Twitter to criticize Dave Chappelle’s special over transphobic comments. It’s not the only example of workers flexing their power. Meanwhile, companies are struggling to figure out how to deal with it. Plus, Apple is still having trouble in the health care space. And, we’re celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Netflix suspends trans employee who tweeted about Dave Chappelle special” from The Verge
“Apple dreamed of making healthcare easy. Then it silenced its medical experts.”from Business Insider
“Facebook To Limit Politics, Boost Friends, Says Spokesman On ‘Meet The Press’” from Deadline
“Gas-powered lawn mowers, leaf blowers to be banned under new California law” from Arts Technica
“Trump holds fast to his election lies as the GOP establishment hugs him tighter” from Politico

Read the transcript here.

Our show needs your voice! Tell us what you think of the show or ask a question for our hosts to answer! Send a voice memo or give us a call at 508-82-SMART (508-827-6278).

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If you take away anything from the October jobs report, it should be this: More than a year and a half into the pandemic, women keep losing jobs. And it’s probably because we still haven’t figured out child care. Today, we’ll talk about some of the possible long-term effects of women leaving the workforce. Plus, Google and YouTube take big steps against climate deniers, and the “Bad Art Friend” drama is really all about Facebook. Then, a special guest surprises the hosts on Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“September jobs report shows unemployed are still struggling with child care and reluctant to return to low-paying jobs” from The Washington Post
“White House Weighs Wide-Ranging Push for Crypto Oversight” from Bloomberg
“Google, YouTube to prohibit ads and monetization on climate denial content” from Axios
“Biden Signs Legislation to Compensate Victims of Mysterious “Havana Syndrome” from The New York Times
“Who is the Bad Art Friend?” from The New York Times
“The WhatsApp outage and its global economic implications” from “Marketplace Tech”
“American Women Quarters Program”
“USPS is trying out a new business, which could transform how millions access cash and pay bills” from The Washington Post
“Fat Bear Week Crowns Its Winner” from CNN

Read the transcript here.

Our show needs your voice! Tell us what you think of the show or ask a question for our hosts to answer! Send a voice memo or give us a call at 508-82-SMART (508-827-6278).

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On this hollowed-out shell Thursday, we waste no time getting to the dark place. The Biden administration released reports today detailing just how big of an impact climate change will have on our lives, from more traffic, to higher rates of depression and anxiety, and even more bugs. We’ll talk about those challenges. Plus, other stories of note, including a big win for Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. Then, a beef over Bruce Springsteen lyrics has finally been put to bed.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Biden administration releases alarming reports on climate change challenges” from NBC News
“Caesars Palace To Host 3-Day Climate Denier Conference” from HuffPost
“Ireland Signs On to Global Deal Seeking to Curb Tax Avoidance” from The Wall Street Journal
“The trillion-dollar coin scheme, explained by the guy who invented it” from Vox
“San Francisco to Ease Some Face-Mask Requirements” also from The Wall Street Journal
Tweet thread about the correct Bruce Springsteen lyrics

Read the transcript here.

Join us on YouTube Fridays at 3:30 p.m. Pacific/6:30 p.m. Eastern for our live happy hour episode! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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You’ve heard about bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, but how are they different from a digital dollar? On this Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday, we’ll discuss the benefits and drawbacks of a digital dollar as the Federal Reserve ponders making its own digital currency. Plus, we’ll explain the economics behind robocalls and vaccine mandates. And we get an email from a listener and her cats who want to know what’s up with pet food shortages.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“What exactly is a digital dollar, and how would it work?” from Popular Science
“China’s digital yuan is a warning to the world” from Wired
“Tired of robocalls? The FCC is stillllll trying to stop them” from “Marketplace Tech”
“THE ANNOYANCE ENGINE: Spam robocalls became profitable scams by exploiting the phone system, but you can stop them” from Business Insider
“Fact check: Workers fired for refusing a vaccine are unlikely to qualify for unemployment” from USA Today
“Half of unvaccinated workers say they’d rather quit than get a shot – but real-world data suggest few are following through” from The Conversation
The Pet Food Institute on the pet food supply challenges

Read the transcript here.

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What do corporate lawyers, political operatives, and right-wing groups have to do with the Indian Child Welfare Act? A whole lot.

ICWA has been around for almost 40 years. It provides protections for Native American kids who are up for foster care or adoption and it says Native kids should be placed with extended family or stay with native communities whenever possible.

It doesn’t seem terribly controversial on the face of it. But the child custody law has drawn the attention of groups who see the chance to undo ICWA as the first step into doing away with a whole chain of legislation around Native sovereignty, with huge implications for land use, water rights and gaming rights. In short, a successful legal challenge to this one law, which has now reached the steps of the Supreme Court, could mean a lot of money for a whole lot of non-Native people.

“I always say that federal Indian law is the canary in the coal mine, like what the courts are willing to do to tribes. I think everyone should be concerned about and this case for this term, I think will be will be an important one to watch,” said Rebecca Nagle, independent journalist and host of the podcast “This Land,” which focuses on ICWA in its latest season.

On today’s show, we’ll dig into the fight over ICWA, the players involved and who stands to benefit if it’s found unconstitutional on the basis of race.

In the news fix, we’ll talk about Facebook whistleblower testimony, COVID’s two-month cycle and the cost of living in flood zones — speaking of the effects of climate change, Molly’s super secret project, the “How We Survive” podcast, launches tomorrow.

Plus, the birds of “Make Me Smart.”

When you’re done listening, tell your Echo device to “make me smart” for our daily explainers. This week we’ll explain the history behind historically Black colleges and universities, how pumpkin-spice beer became a thing and why Sherlock Holmes continues to be one of the most popular fictional detectives of all time. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter! You can find the latest issue here.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“This Land” podcast
“The Native adoption case that could dismantle the Indian Child Welfare Act, explained” from Vox
“A Court Battle Over a Dallas Toddler Could Decide the Future of Native American Law” from The Atlantic
“Facebook whistleblower will urge U.S. Senate to regulate company” from Reuters
“The price of living near the shore is already high. It’s about to go through the roof.” from The Washington Post
“Covid, in retreat” from The New York Times
Molly’s “secret” project: “How We Survive”

Read the transcript here.

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Facebook went down for six hours today. The outage happened a day after a former employee went on national television saying the company has put profits above, well, everything else. We’ll talk about how this could’ve happened and what it meant for global commerce. Plus, the federal debt limit debate is at DEFCON 2, and New Zealand gives up on its yearlong, zero-COVID strategy. And, it’s Fat Bear Week!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Gone in Minutes, Out for Hours: Outage Shakes Facebook” from The New York Times
“Battling Delta, New Zealand Abandons Its Zero-Covid Ambitions” from The New York Times
Signs the debt limit has turned into DEFCON 2
“Company That Routes Billions of Text Messages Quietly Says It Was Hacked” from Vice
“Hollywood Crew Union Votes to Authorize Strike Against Studios” from The New York Times
It’s Fat Bear Week

Read the transcript here.

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With the debt ceiling crisis still pending, a popular old idea has sprung up: a trillion-dollar coin. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has said it’s a no-go, but how come? We talk about what the trillion-dollar coin is and why it isn’t the best (or worst) idea. We also discuss Google backing out of the finance game and share some interesting sound from Disneyworld’s 50th anniversary. Finally, a round of everybody’s favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“The trillion dollar coin idea is back as a wacky way to prevent financial Armageddon” from CNN
“Google is scrapping its plan to offer bank accounts to users” from The Wall Street Journal
“What would the trillion dollar coin look like?” from Marketplace
“FAA plans to reduce the time planes spend taxiing on the runway” from Marketplace
“NYC hopes congestion pricing can reduce traffic. How has it worked elsewhere?” from Marketplace
“Macy’s is trying to block Amazon from advertising atop its Herald Square store” from CNBC
“Grocery store opens chat registers for lonely customers” from Vice

Read the transcript here.

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Let’s talk about the results of Facebook investigating itself. TLDR: The company says the research it did — on its apps having a negative effect on young people — isn’t what we think it is. Plus, Sen. Joe Manchin is “feeling his oats,” and get ready for slower mail delivery.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Facebook grilled by Senate over company’s impact on kids” from CNN
Facebook’s research
“Covid is killing rural Americans at twice the rate of people in urban areas” from NBC News
“USPS First Class Mail delivery is getting slower: Here’s why” from Fast Company
“Manchin proposed $1.5T top-line number to Schumer this summer” from Politico
Manchin’s deal sheet
The tweet that made Molly lol

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Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says if the debt ceiling isn’t raised, there could be “catastrophic economic consequences.” But what does that mean for the average American? We’ll get to the bottom of this listener question. Plus, we’ll do the numbers on the high cost of child care and the defense budget. Then, bird watching anyone? We break down what “hawks” and “doves” have to do with monetary policy.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Here’s what the debt limit standoff means for you” from CNBC
“Janet Yellen: Congress, Raise the Debt Limit” from The Wall Street Journal
“Why Daycare Workers Are So Poor, Even Though Daycare Costs So Much” from The Atlantic
“‘The pay is absolute crap’: Child-care workers are quitting rapidly, a red flag for the economy” from The Washington Post
“Study says nearly half of defense spending for 9/11 wars went to private contractors” from PBS Newshour
“The Pentagon Has Never Passed An Audit. Some Senators Want To Change That” from NPR
“The economic shorthand of hawks and doves” from Marketplace

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The U.S. in the middle of resettling tens of thousands of Afghan citizens around the country. At the same time, it’s turning away Haitians and Central Americans at the U.S.-Mexico border. What gives?

“The reasons why they may be migrating are very similar, in terms of fleeing persecution, war, violence; the difference is where they seek that legal relief,” said Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, the president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, a nonprofit organization that’s helped resettle refugees for decades.

On the show today, we’ll dig into the U.S. refugee system, how it got to be this way and how we can rebuild a system that is more just.

We’ll also talk about a major victory for garment workers in California and what that might mean for their counterparts nationwide. Plus, we’ll get an update on the debt troubles of China’s Evergrande and hear from listeners about their parent-child “Make Me Smart” listening teams.

When you’re done listening, tell your Echo device to “make me smart” for our daily explainers. This week we’ll explain why Costco hot dogs are so cheap, the fight over Apple’s app store and the economic consequences of hurricanes. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter! You can find the latest issue here.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Afghan refugees and Haitians at the Texas border: Who’s worthy of US protection?” from Vox
“The Biden administration will raise the cap on refugee admissions to 125,000” from The New York Times
“The evacuation of Afghan refugees is over. Now what?” from The Brookings Institution
“California Ends ‘Piece Rate’ Work For Garment Workers, Guaranteeing Minimum Hourly Wage” from HuffPost
“Garment Workers, Paid Per Piece, Say They’ll Keep Fighting to Change System” from NBC News
“Evergrande Bondholders Mull Next Steps in Wake of Missed Payment” from The Wall Street Journal
“Yellen tells Congress that U.S. will run out of debt ceiling flexibility on Oct. 18” from The Washington Post

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You know it’s a big deal when people retire early from jobs where people never retire early. Two Federal Reserve presidents stepped down after making controversial trades in the financial markets the Fed was actively trying to stabilize in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. We’ll discuss why the resignations matter. Plus, a few other stories you might’ve missed over the weekend, including one about dentists fighting a plan to add dental coverage to Medicare. And a Make Me Smile moment from a fellow listener.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Dallas Fed President Kaplan to retire early on Oct. 8, citing trading disclosure ‘distraction'” from CNBC
“Beijing Claims Victory Over Huawei Executive’s Return” from The Wall Street Journal
“Fuel pumps run dry in British cities, sowing supply chain chaos” from Reuters
“Dentists’ Group Fights Plan to Cover Dental Benefits Under Medicare” from The Wall Street Journal
“A day-by-day guide to Congress’s high-stakes budget week” from The Washington Post
“R. Kelly is convicted on all counts after decades of accusations of abuse” from The New York Times
“Simone Biles is excited for highly anticipated Gold Over America Tour” from CNN

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China is making big crypto moves. Today, it made all financial transactions involving cryptocurrencies illegal. It also banned crypto mining. At the same time, it’s launching its own digital currency. We’ll dig into what it might mean for crypto’s future. Plus, one thing that hasn’t got better during the pandemic: Mothers are still having a hard time returning to work. And now it’s because of a shortage of child care workers. Also, we nerd out about copyright law and wrap up the week with a round of our favorite game, “Half Full/Half Empty.”

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“China Cracks Down Harder on Cryptocurrency With New Ban” from The New York Times
“Disney Sues to Keep Complete Rights to Marvel Characters” from The New York Times
“Tough Biden calls on Trump executive privilege headed for Jan. 6 probe” from Politico
“‘Can’t Compete’: Why Hiring for Child Care Is a Huge Struggle” from The New York Times
“Six United employees ask court to block vaccination requirement” from CNN
“More Corporate Climate Commitments Are Essential to Limiting the Effects of Global Warming” from Just Capital
“All this talk about the Fed “tapering” bond-buying — what’s it to you?” from “Marketplace”
“Vinyl records are selling at twice the clip of a year ago with no signs of slowing down” from “Marketplace”
“NYC passes new protections for delivery app workers” from “Marketplace”
“New emoji are about to drop, but where do they come from anyway?” from “Marketplace Tech”

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It’s tradition. Every couple of years, Democrats and Republicans fight over raising the federal debt ceiling, or the limit of how much money the government can borrow to pay its bills. Right now is one of those times. Should this tradition be broken? We’ll discuss. Plus, Boris Johnson takes aim at Kermit the frog and Brandi Carlile’s upcoming SNL appearance has us grinning. And we’re taking your make me smile submissions.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

A tweet on Nancy Pelosi’s debt ceiling remarks
“House Panel Expands Inquiry into Climate Disinformation by Oil Giants” from The New York Times
“Every season except summer is getting shorter, a sign of trouble for people and the environment” from The Washington Post
“Redfin CEO, Zillow pour cold water on TikToker’s iBuyer theory” from Inman
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Kermit the frog joke
Brandi Carlile’s SNL tweet
And her Grammy performance

Read the transcript here.

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Progressive Democrats are pressuring President Joe Biden to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. But how did a non-economist even come to head the Fed anyway? That’s one of the listener questions we answer on this Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday. We’ll also talk about mismatching in the labor market and who the United States is borrowing money from. Plus, Molly reveals her super-secret project!

Here’s everything we talked about:

“The long and twisting story of how Jay Powell became our next Federal Reserve chair” from Marketplace
“Progressives led by AOC call for Biden to replace Fed Chair Powell” from CNN
“The debt-ceiling fight, explained” from The Washington Post
“A record number of job openings, but only so-so on the hiring front” from “Marketplace”
“3 ‘mismatches’ that explain the labor shortage” from Business Insider
“What is geoengineering—and why should you care?” From MIT Technology Review
Molly’s super-secret project: “Introducing ‘How We Survive'”

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Congressional Democrats are working on a $3.5 trillion bill that would vastly expand the social safety net. But what exactly is this thing we call the social safety net?

“We’re talking about things like the earned income tax credit, child tax credits, a cash transfer program called TANF, or Temporary Assistance [for] Needy Families … but if you think about how long it might take you to get on your feet, it is a relatively meager and challenging system to subsist on,” said Tina Sacks, associate professor of social welfare at the University of California, Berkeley.

The idea that the government should help catch Americans if they fall on hard times started during the Great Depression, for obvious reasons. But Sacks says today that net doesn’t work as well as it should. There are a lot of gaps in the system, and at the end of the day our programs are pretty meager compared to those in other developed nations.

On the show today, Sacks walks us through the ins and outs of the social safety net. What it looks like in practice and whether the Democrats’ plan could make a real difference.

Later, we’ll talk about the next legal fight over reproductive rights, hear from a listener who makes us smart about toaster ovens and a callout for all your Duo voice memos!

When you’re done listening, tell your Echo device to “make me smart” for our daily explainers. This week we’ll explain so-called name, image and likeness compensation deals and how they’re changing the game for student athletes, along with the origin of potato chips. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter! You can find the latest issue here.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“From Cradle to Grave, Democrats Move to Expand Social Safety Net” from The New York Times
“Pandemic Aid Programs Spur a Record Drop in Poverty” from The New York Times
The Uncertain Hour’s podcast on the history of welfare reform
“The Time Tax” from The Atlantic
“Texas doctor who defied state’s near-total abortion ban is sued” from The Los Angeles Times
Professor Caitlin Myers’ tweet thread on economists’ amicus brief against a Mississippi abortion law
“A ‘Righteous Strike'” from The New York Times’ The Daily podcast

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A massive real estate company is freaking out the global markets. The Evergrande Group is sitting on tons of debt, and investors worry it could go broke and send ripple effects throughout China and beyond. We’ll explain the Evergrande crisis. Plus, you’re awesome! A big shoutout to all the “Make Me Smart” listeners who helped us beat our fundraising goal. And please send photos of you in your banana pants!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Evergrande Blowup Ensnares Stocks With Very Little Link to China” from Bloomberg
“Peter Thiel and Silicon Valley’s Pursuit of Power: Excerpt” from New York Magazine
“Opinion | Janet Yellen: Congress, Raise the Debt Limit” from The Wall Street Journal
“Covid-19 vaccine for 5- to 11-year-olds is safe and shows ‘robust’ antibody response, Pfizer says” from CNN
“My 80s TV!”

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Today, a group of advisers to the Food and Drug Administration voted to reject a plan from the White House to approve vaccine boosters for most Americans. That was followed up by a vote to approve boosters for people who are at serious risk of coronavirus disease or over the age of 65. We’ll talk about what makes the discussion around boosters so complicated. We’ll also talk about the Pentagon’s acknowledgment of a drone strike gone very wrong. Finally, we wrap up the show with a round of our favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty.

Give now to support the show you love and to get the “Make Me Smart” banana pants and ringtones! Marketplace.org/givesmart.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Pentagon acknowledges Aug. 29 drone strike in Afghanistan was a tragic mistake that killed 10 civilians” from The New York Times
“FDA panel backs COVID-19 boosters only for elderly or high-risk Americans” from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch
“Employers’ new strategy: Come for the work, stay for the college tuition” from Marketplace
“More than 80 percent of Americans want their paycheck the day they earn it” from The Hill
“Cup Noodle company introduces 4 soup-flavored sodas” from ABC7 Chicago
“Will ‘South Park’ creators remake Colorado’s legendary Casa Bonita?” from Marketplace

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Today we get hallowed out from more revelations from The Wall Street Journal’s ongoing reporting of what goes on behind the scenes at Facebook and the tradeoffs the tech giant makes in order to stay a tech giant. We also take a look at the Federal Reserve’s review of its ethics rules. And a Make Me Smile courtesy of listeners like you.

Here’s everything we talked about on today’s show:

“Facebook Employees Flag Drug Cartels and Human Traffickers. The Company’s Response Is Weak, Documents Show” from The Wall Street Journal
“Instagram boss Adam Mosseri on teenagers, TikToks and paying creators” from Recode Media
“Instagram boss says social media is like cars: People are going to die” from Mashable
“Powell opens review into Fed ethics rules after backlash over trading” from Politico
“Newsom California recall election’s costly lessons” from The Los Angeles Times

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A lot of things are affected by inflation. How come minimum wage isn’t one of them?

On today’s show, we get to the bottom of one listener’s question about minimum wage, but we can’t promise the answer is logical. Plus, we explain the big deal with TikTok and check out some weird beers!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“These two charts show how much minimum wage workers have fallen behind” from CNN
“Why can’t our political system address our biggest problems?” from The Washington Post
“When it comes to raising the minimum wage, most of the action is in cities and states, not Congress” from Pew Research Center
“Let’s do the numbers on a $15 minimum wage” from Make Me Smart
“TikTok rolls out features to help teens’ mental health as Instagram comes under fire” from CNBC
“How TikTok went from dance videos to meaningful activism” from Vogue
“TikTok becomes the most downloaded app of 2021 first half” from Technotifiction

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Ten years ago this week, a group of activists pitched tents in New York’s Zuccotti Park. They said they were protesting against economic inequality and the gap between the people who hold the top 1% of wealth in this country and the rest of us.

Soon, people in cities all over the globe launched their own Occupy Wall Street protests, and while police broke up the original protest in New York two months later, Occupy Wall Street went a lot longer and a lot further than many expected.

“There were experts, people in the social sciences who had been studying inequality, and were very well aware of its explosive growth in the period since the 1970s. But it wasn’t really on the radar of the general population until Occupy. I think that was one of the major impacts,” said Ruth Milkman, a sociology professor at the City University of New York Graduate Center, who has studied the Occupy Wall Street movement.

Milkman said while Occupy Wall Street may not have done much to close the growing income inequality gap in this country, it made the issue part of the national political conversation. She also draws lines between Occupy, the Fight for $15, the rise of Bernie Sanders and other social movements that followed, including Black Lives Matter.

On today’s show, we’ll talk with Milkman about the legacy of Occupy Wall Street.

In the newsfix, we’ll talk about Facebook and a new project from The Wall Street Journal that reveals troubling information about what’s happening inside company. Plus, we’ll hear from one of our favorite listeners and one of best low-key answers to the Make Me Smart question we’ve received in a while.

Read the transcript here.

When you’re done listening, tell your Echo device to “make me smart” for our daily explainers. This week we’ll explain why hit songs are getting shorter, why child care is so expensive and how drive-in movie theaters made a comeback. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter! You can find the latest issue here.

Give now to support the show you love and to get the “Make Me Smart” banana pants and ringtones! Marketplace.org/givesmart.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Changing the Subject: A Bottom Up Account of Occupy Wall Street in New York City” co-authored by Prof. Milkman
“It’s Been Another Decade Of Income Inequality In The U.S.” from NPR
“Occupy Wall Street Did More Than You Think” from The Atlantic
“The Facebook Files” from The Wall Street Journal
“Amazon hikes starting pay to $18 an hour” from Reuters
“Climate change to change behavior, 80% of respondents tell Pew” from CNBC

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Apple’s security impermeability has been shattered to pieces. Today, Apple issued an emergency software update for its products after researchers discovered devices could be infected with the highly invasive Pegasus software without a single click. We’ll explain what that means for your security. Plus, “Shipageddon” will be with us until 2022, and we discuss a few science-related stories you might’ve missed, including one about baby cows being potty-trained. And finally, one of the fashion industry’s biggest parties is making us smile (#metgala).

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Apple Issues Emergency Security Updates to Close a Spyware Flaw” from The New York Times
“U.S. Ports See Shipping Logjams Likely Extending Far Into 2022” from The Wall Street Journal
“Supply chain crisis will leave permanent scar, UPS warns” from The Financial Times
“Courting moderates, House Democrats stop short of proposing the most aggressive plans to tax the rich” from The New York Times
“Scientists Claim Overeating Is Not the Primary Cause of Obesity — Point to More Effective Weight Loss Strategies” from SciTech Daily
David Leonhardt op-ed about his month without sugar
“For a livable future, 60% of oil and gas must stay in the ground” from Grist
“Meat accounts for nearly 60% of all greenhouse gases from food production, study finds” from The Guardian
A tweet thread from U.S. Rep. Katie Porter
“The Real Reason Workers Want to Stay Remote: 75% Can’t Leave Their Pandemic Pets Behind” from Digital.com
“Scientists Are Toilet-Training Baby Cows to Cut Emissions” from Bloomberg
MetGala

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Whether the United States moves on climate change may come down to one person — Sen. Joe Manchin. Will his personal financial investments in the energy industry stand in the way? We’ll discuss the ethics around policymakers profiting from industries they’re supposed to be writing the rules for. Plus, we check in on U.S.-China trade relations and Epic v. Apple legal battle. Finally, we close this short/long week, with a round of our favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“ECB Will Slow Its Crisis-Era Bond Buying” from The New York Times
“Tracking Viral Misinformation: Latest Updates” also from The New York Times
“Biden Administration Takes Aim at China’s Industrial Subsidies” from The Wall Street Journal
“Apple must allow other forms of in-app purchases, rules judge in Epic v. Apple” from The Verge
“Epic will appeal the Epic v. Apple decision” also from The Verge
“After a Summer of Disasters, Some Lawmakers See a Chance for Climate Action” from The New York Times
Molly’s thread on Joe Manchin’s financial connections to energy industry
“Democrats Unveil Details of Sweeping Climate Change Spending Plan” from The New York Times
“Dallas Fed’s Robert Kaplan Was Active Buyer and Seller of Stocks Last Year” from The Wall Street Journal
The Stock Act
“More Americans are looking to retire earlier” from Marketplace
“Facebook just announced its new Ray-Bay glasses- I’ve been using them for a couple of days, here’s what they’re like” from CNBC
“Toyota Bets Big on New Battery Tech, but Leaves Plenty of Room for Hybrids” from Autoweek
“SpaceX Inspiration4 all-civilian spaceflight” from Space.com
“Taco Bell wants you to send back your used sauce packets so it can reuse them” from CNN

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The White House isn’t messing around. Now that the COVID-19 vaccines have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, the Joe Biden administration has ordered two-thirds of the American workforce to get the jab. We’ll discuss the latest round of vaccine mandates. Plus, an update on the abortion ban in Texas and the buy now, pay later boom — what can possibly go wrong? Finally, we fill our hollowed-out shells with Blue’s Clues and some fun facts about rats!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Biden is requiring the vast majority of federal workers to get vaccinated or face disciplinary measures” from The New York Times
“Justice Department Sues Texas Over New Abortion Ban” from NPR
“As ‘buy now, pay later’ surges, a third of U.S. users fall behind on payments” from Reuters
“Deja vu as container ship runs aground in Suez Canal but is quickly refloated“ from Metro News
Blue’s Clues Turns 25
“Beached Rat Carcasses Indicate Mass Rodent Death During Ida, Experts Say” from Gothamist
“5 fun facts about rats | Explore | Awesome Activities & Fun Facts!” from CBC

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We often hear Social Security is running out of money, but what does that actually mean?

On today’s show, we answer a listener’s question about the future of Social Security. TLDR, recipients won’t stop getting Social Security checks, but their payments might shrink. Plus, we’ll explain why semiconductors are so hard to make, what’s the deal with returnless refunds, and hollowed-out shell Thursday vs. hollowed-out shell of a Thursday.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Social Security won’t be able to pay full benefits by 2034” from CNN
“Status of the Social Security and Medicare Programs” from the Social Security Administration
“The Chip Shortage Keeps Getting Worse. Why Can’t We Just Make More?” from Bloomberg
“Retail therapy is great, but returns can take the fun out of it” from Marketplace
“Amazon, Walmart Tell Consumers to Skip Returns of Unwanted Items” from The Wall Street Journal

Read the transcript here.

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It might not be talked about much, but reproductive rights are an economic issue.

There’s a growing body of research suggesting a link between access to abortion and women’s economic stability.

“We have evidence that for women who delayed becoming mothers, because they had access to abortion, those women were much more likely to attend college, to graduate college, to obtain occupations that are kind of professional in nature. And they had higher wages by as much as about 10%. And they were about half as likely to live in poverty as adults,” said Caitlin Myers, an economics professor at Middlebury College who studies the effects of reproductive policies.

Myers also pointed to evidence that women who encounter obstacles to obtaining an abortion and are ultimately unable to have one are much more likely to face bankruptcy proceedings, see their credit status decline and suffer financial distress.

In the aftermath of Texas’ abortion ban, we’ll discuss reproductive rights as an issue of economic justice and why those rights are rarely seen through an economic lens.

In the news fix, we discuss Afghanistan’s new government and what it might mean for the country’s economy. Later, a listener shares his favorite Ikea hack, and the fart joke that keeps on giving.

When you’re done listening, tell your Echo device to “make me smart” for our daily explainers. This week, we’re explaining China’s massive tutoring business, how Hollywood stars get paid and hard seltzer. You can hear them all here. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter! You can find the latest issue here.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“What Happens To Women Who Can’t Get Abortions” from Huffington Post
“Where Abortion Access Would Decline if Roe v. Wade Were Overturned” from The New York Times
“Taliban Unveil New Afghan Government” from The Wall Street Journal
“Afghanistan’s Money Exchangers Are the Economy’s Last Best Hope” from Foreign Policy
“Bitcoin Drops to Lowest in Month as El Salvador Rollout Falters” from Bloomberg
“Texas abortion ‘whistleblower’ website shut down a second time” from KXAN
“Calls grow for FDA to speed authorization of kid Covid-19 vaccines” from Politico

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The destruction left by Hurricane Ida has sharpened the focus on infrastructure and climate resilience in the United States. We discuss the importance of the Senate-approved infrastructure bill in speeding up the fight against climate change. We also talk about the emerging corporate responses to the Texas abortion law and some worrying statistics in the latest jobs report. And finally, join us for another round of our Friday game, Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Ida churns up tension on infrastructure vs. climate change” from Politico
“Hurricane Ida, Wildfires Prod Congress on Resiliency” from The Wall Street Journal
“Joe Manchin Condemns Anti-Fossil Fuel Provisions in Infrastructure Bill” from Newsweek
“At August’s Rate, It Will Take Women 9 Years to Regain the Jobs They Lost in the Pandemic” from the National Women’s Law Center
“TikTok Users and Coders Flood Texas Abortion Site With Fake Tips” from The New York Times
“Uber and Lyft Will Cover Legal Fees for Drivers Sued Under Texas Abortion Law” from USA Today
“Zoom adds donation option to its list of features” from “Marketplace Morning Report”
“Reddit bans anti-vaccine subreddit r/NoNewNormal after site-wide protest” from The Verge
“Calls for unionization are brewing at Starbucks” from “Marketplace Morning Report”
“Ikea gets into the resale game” from “Marketplace”

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We know everyone is talking about Texas’s new restrictive abortion law. We’re saving our in-depth conversation about that for Tuesday, when we’ll dive into the economic story behind reproductive rights. Today, we’re talking about other stories that have our shells feeling pretty hollowed out, including the flooding from Hurricane Ida. Can this be a George Floyd moment for climate change? Plus, a bunch of billionaires are paying up. And a plethora of make-you-smile moments — from a swimming rat living his best life in flood waters to ABBA!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Latest Updates: Flooding From Ida Kills Dozens of People in Four States” from The New York Times
“James Simons, Robert Mercer, Others at renaissance to Pay $7 Billion to Settle Tax Probe” from The Wall Street Journal
“Apple secures first states to support digital driver’s licenses, but privacy questions linger” from TechCrunch
“McDonald’s broken ice cream machines are part of FTC investigation, report says” from USA Today
“ABBA to drop first studio album in 40 years” from CNN
Cute video of floating rat

Read the transcript here.

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Soon, all Americans will be eligible to get a COVID-19 booster shot. One of our listeners is wondering whether getting her booster means taking one from somebody in a developing country. We’ll explain why the vaccine supply chain makes that unlikely. Plus, we’ll check in on Kai’s January 2021 prediction about the 10-year Treasury note and answer a couple of questions about recycling and meal kits.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Why donating COVID-19 booster shots isn’t that easy” from National Geographic
“Treasury yields turn flat after disappointing jobs data” from CNBC
“Piling Up: How China’s Ban on Importing Waste Has Stalled Global Recycling” from Yale Environment 360
“Meal Kits Have A Smaller Carbon Footprint Than Grocery Shopping, Study Says” from NPR
“The Case for Meal Kits: Environment’s Friend or Foe?” from EcoWatch
“What common household items are worth recycling?” from Marketplace

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By now you’ve heard the phrase creator economy. It includes everyone from TikTok stars to Twitch streamers and adult-content creators on sites like OnlyFans.

According to one report, more than 50 million people around the world consider themselves creators, and it’s become the fastest-growing type of small business.

“The influencer marketing industry is projected to be over a $20 billion business in the next couple years,” said Taylor Lorenz, who covers tech culture and online creators for the New York Times. She’s also the author of the forthcoming book “Extremely Online: The Rise of the Online Creator and Creation of a New American Dream.”

“For so long, it was really, really, really hard to build tech products for influencers or creators … because tech executives and tech investors really thought of it as a niche market, right? Now, obviously, there’s so many creators, the pandemic kind of pushed everyone online and the industry is, you know, reaches a sort of a maturation point where it makes a lot of money. And so you see the Silicon Valley investors kind of rushing in.”

Today, we’re doing the numbers on the creator economy and discuss how it’s not only changing the business world, but also changing how people think about democracy, misinformation, the anti-vaccination movement and, ultimately, whom people trust.

In the news fix, we’ll commiserate over airline customer service wait times, and is Kai a psychic? His “Jeopardy!” prediction comes true. Plus, we’ll hear from a listener who is the boss of multitasking, and another one calls in with a life update.

When you’re done listening, tell your Echo device to “make me smart” for our daily explainers. This week, we’re explaining libraries, vaccines and Dolly Parton. You can hear all our explainers here. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter! You can find the latest issue here.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Hello, Content Creators. Silicon Valley’s Investors Want to Meet You.” Taylor’s reporting in The New York Times
“The Real Difference Between Creators and Influencers” from The Atlantic
“Analysis | No, the Taliban did not seize $83 billion of U.S. weapons” from The Washington Post
“Consumer Confidence Hits Six-Month Low in US” from Bloomberg
“Need to Call an Airline? Your Hold Time Will Be Approximately One Zillion Hours” from The Wall Street Journal
“Scoop: Facebook’s new moves to lower News Feed’s political volume” from Axios
“Mike Richards is now out as executive producer of ‘Jeopardy!’ too” from CNN

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It’s been a somber news day. Hurricane Ida hit New Orleans on the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. This time, the city’s $14.5 billion system of levees seemed to have held up, but the storm knocked out power for 1 million people. We’ll talk about what this extreme weather tells us about climate adaptation. Plus, it’s the end of an era in Afghanistan as the last American troops pull out of Kabul and we’ll share a few stories you might’ve missed over the weekend. Finally, an Al Roker clap back you didn’t know you needed.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Afghanistan Live Updates: The United States Occupation Is Over” from The New York Times
“Ida weakens to tropical storm after knocking out power to New Orleans” from NBC News
“EU Recommends Halting Nonessential Travel From the U.S. Over Covid-19” from The Wall Street Journal
“Mandatory evacuations in South Lake Tahoe as winds bring extreme fire danger“ from The Los Angeles Times
“China Limits Online Videogames to Three Hours a Week for Young People” from The Wall Street Journal
“Record-Breaking 44 Container Ships Stuck Off California Coast” from Business Insider
“Ohio judge orders hospital to treat COVID patient with Ivermectin despite CDC warnings” from USA Today
“Is a Mass Psychosis the Greatest Threat to Humanity?” from Academy of Ideas
“A Jeopardy! Board for Determining Who Should Be the Next Host of Jeopardy!” from McSweeney’s
Twitter convo on the new Bob Ross documentary
Al Roker’s clap back at critics

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He sells electric cars. He wants to go to Mars. Now he wants to sell … electricity? Yup, Elon Musk wants Tesla to get into the energy business in Texas. We’ll discuss what it all means and how Tesla is making money these days. Plus, a bananas story about misinformation on the internet. And the hosts take a stand on the latest round of our favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“How Should the Fed Deal With Climate Change?” from The New York Times
“Elon Musk wants to sell Texas Electricity” from Texas Monthly
“Does Tesla actually want competitors to make electric cars?” from “Marketplace Morning Report”
“Sirhan Sirhan, convicted of RFK assassination, released by California parole board” from The Washington Post
“Texans are calling poison control in record numbers after ingesting horse and cow dewormer” from KSAT
“Florida Judge Throws Out Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Order Prohibiting School Mask Mandates” from NPR
“Academic credentials are a poor measure of talent. So why do businesses keep relying on them?” from Fortune
“Delta Air Lines’ $200 charge to unvaccinated employees puts penalty power to the test” from “Marketplace Morning Report”
“Back in name only: Toys R Us brand to reappear in more than 400 Macy’s stores” from “Marketplace”
“TikTok hits the big time: The MLA Handbook has decided how to cite it in academic works” from Fast Company
“Elon Musk warned of a ‘Terminator’-like AI apocalypse —now he’s building a Tesla robot” from CNBC
Pumpkin Spice hard seltzer?

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Today, we blame our hollowed-out-ness on the patriarchy! First, one of the leaders of the Time’s Up organization, which is supposed to support women, resigned after helping former New York governor Andrew Cuomo with his sexual harassment scandal. But that’s not all. Over at “Jeopardy!” Mike Richards is getting to keep his executive producer job despite the backlash over his treatment of women. We’ll dig into both stories and talk about what it all means for women in the workplace. Plus, why isn’t California’s gubernatorial recall election getting more attention? And a heartfelt farewell made of sheep bring us to the happy place.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Time’s Up CEO Tina Tchen resigns following Andrew Cuomo revelations” from The Washington Post
“Jeopardy!’s Mike Richards Is Getting A Babysitter Instead Of Getting Fired” from Kotaku
“Kamala Harris’ campaign rally for Newsom canceled after Afghanistan attacks” from Politico
“Possible Havana syndrome incident delayed Harris flight to Vietnam” from CNN
“Emmanuel Macron to push tax deal on Irish visit” also from Politico
Our episode on the global corporate tax
“Inescapable” COVID-19 Antibody Discovery – Neutralizes All Known SARS-CoV-2 Strains” from SciTechDaily
“El Salvador Gets Ready for a Risky Bitcoin Experiment” from The Wall Street Journal
“A love heart made out of sheep: Australian farmer pays tribute to his aunt” from The Guardian

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From restaurants to bars and gyms, more and more businesses are requiring customers to be vaccinated. Our listener Leila wants to know what exactly you need to show those businesses to get through the door. On today’s episode, we’ll dig into some of the options and do a little show and tell. Plus, we’ll answer one of the nerdiest questions we’ve received about taxes, along with others about no-needle vaccines and the history the Federal Reserve’s annual meeting in Jackson Hole.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Scientists debate potential benefits of intranasal covid-19 vaccines” from PBS NewsHour
Our episode on vaccine mandates
“San Francisco’s new rule: proof of vaccine or no dining” from the Associated Press
“Lost your covid-19 vaccine card? Don’t worry, you can get a new one.” from USA Today
“How the remote Western resort of Jackson Hole became a go-to gathering for central bankers” from Business Insider
And in case you want to nerd out on how sales and excise taxes work, from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy

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We’ve seen plenty of companies make pledges to reduce emissions and increase investments in climate solutions. How real are these commitments?

Someone who has been thinking — and acting — on this topic is Michael O’Leary, managing director at Engine No. 1, the activist investment firm that won three seats on the board of Exxon Mobile.

“I think if we had made a purely environmental argument, kind of a save-the-polar-bears argument on why we need a new leadership at Exxon, I don’t think we’ve been successful. We had to make the economic argument, the argument that this is what what was best for the long term of the company,” O’Leary said.

On the show today, we’ll discuss the role of corporate America in the fight against climate change and what it really means to have environmental social governance goals incorporated into business strategies.

O’Leary, who is also the co-author of “Accountable: The Rise of Citizen Capitalism,” said there was a way to build an economy better prepared for climate change.

“Ultimately, our economy has transformed before it can transform again. But given the sort of capitalist society we live in, it’s going to require capitalists to require shareholders to be part of that movement, if not leading it.”

We’ll also discuss more dire news about how climate change threatens our food supply, and another sign that “capitalism doesn’t care if you live or die.”

Plus, listeners react to last week’s episode with social psychologist Amy Cuddy on “pandemic flux syndrome” and an answer to the “Make Me Smart” question that’s giving us all the feels.

When you’re done listening, tell your Echo device to “make me smart” for our daily explainers. This week, we’re explaining food deserts, bicycle commuting and the possible end of open office workspaces. You can hear all our explainers here. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter! You can find the latest issue here.

Here’s everything we talked about:

“How the 137 million Americans who own stock can force climate action” from Vox
“Hedge fund Engine No. 1 wins at least 2 Exxon board seats in climate push” from Marketplace
“Do corporate pledges to fight climate change go far enough?” from Marketplace
“An ESG Reckoning Is Coming” by Michael O’Leary from Harvard Business Review
“US Crops Wither Under Scorching Heat” from The Wall Street Journal
“Delta Variant Outbreaks in Sparsely Vaccinated Asian Countries Disrupt Production” from WSJ
“Stocks Rise, With S&P 500 Poised for Record Close” from the WSJ
“Cryptocurrency Companies Are Leaving China in ‘Great Mining Migration’” from WSJ

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Today, we’ve got Jerome Powell on the brain. As he prepares to make a major speech at the virtual Jackson Hole summit this week, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, a Democrat, has indicated that she’d like Powell, a Republican, to keep his job as Federal Reserve chair after his current term ends in February. Some Dems aren’t on board, and that’s causing a rift in the party. We’ll explain why. Plus, we’ll discuss what a California ruling could mean for ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft and close this Whaddya Miss Monday with a COVID-19 roundup.

Here’s everything we talked about:

“Yellen for Powell?” from Politico
“Fed chair Jerome Powell says there’s no returning to pre-pandemic economy” from PBS Newshour
“Cuomo Blames ‘Political Pressure and Media Frenzy’ in Farewell Speech” from The New York Times
“Theranos Founder Elizabeth Holmes Is Ready for Her Day in Court” from Bloomberg
“Prop. 22, the gig worker exemption for Uber and Lyft, is ruled unconstitutional” from The San Francisco Chronicle
“Sex workers who use OnlyFans say they’re being ‘pushed off a platform that we made successful'” from Business Insider
“Texas Drops Enforcement of Its Governor’s Ban on Mask Mandates” from The New York Times
“South Dakota sees the country’s largest two-week COVID surge” from Fortune
“200 COVID-19 cases linked to Lollapalooza so far, Chicago officials say” from the Chicago Tribune
“Happy Birthday, Xiao Qi Ji! National Zoo’s Panda Cub Turns 1” from WRC-TV
The Tweet thread Why You Should Not Use Ivermectin to Treat or Prevent COVID-19 from the Food and Drug Administration

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As the delta variant spreads, Americans are once again in need of COVID tests. We’ll talk about one frustrating reason some of those tests are so hard to find. Plus, we can’t stop talking about Afghanistan, regarding the “Jeopardy!” host scandal, don’t say we didn’t tell you so! Then, we end this episode of Economics on Tap with a round of “Half Full/Half Empty.”

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“FDA Aims for Full Approval of Pfizer Covid Vaccine on Monday” from The New York Times
“Maker of Popular Covid Test Told Factory to Destroy Inventory” also from The New York Times
“What I Learned While Eavesdropping on the Taliban” from the Atlantic
“Mike Richards Out as ‘Jeopardy!’ Host Amid Cascade of Scandals” from Variety
“Mastercard is saying goodbye to the magnetic stripe” from Marketplace
“Facebook wants you to hold your next meeting in VR” from CNN
Amazon is reportedly planning to open department stores, its latest experiment in physical retail from CNBC
“MLB Set to Give Exclusive Trading Card License to Fanatics, Ending 70-Year Run for Topps” from the Action Network
“Using the power of minor internet celebrity to promote vaccines” from Marketplace

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For our 500th episode, we’re doing a little rinse and repeat. In the news fix, we get March 2020 vibes as we discuss developments from Israel, which has one of the world’s highest vaccination rates, raising concerns that the coronavirus vaccines’ protection may wane over time. Plus, the Federal Trade Commission is re-upping its antitrust lawsuit against Facebook, and the controversy over the new “Jeopardy!” host escalates. Then, a special edition of our favorite game, “Half Full/Half Empty.”

Here’s everything we talked about:

“A grim warning from Israel: Vaccination blunts, but does not defeat Delta” from Science Magazine
“US Revives Facebook Suit, Adding Details to Back Claim of a Monopoly” from The New York Times
“A Smile With Sharp Teeth”: Mike Richards’s Rise to ‘Jeopardy!’ Host Sparks Questions About His Past” from the Ringer
“Planes, guns, night-vision goggles: The Taliban’s new U.S.-made war chest” from Reuters

Read the transcript here.

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SPACs have been all the hotness on Wall Street this year. These special purpose acquisition companies help businesses sell shares to the public faster than the traditional IPO process and bypass some of the regulatory hurdles. But one listener wants to know, what can go wrong when you “SPAC it”? We’ll explain the upsides and downsides of SPACs. Plus, we’ll answer your questions about who’s making money on disinformation, China verus Big Tech and why canning lids are so hard to find right now.

Here’s everything we talked about:

Our episode on SPACS
“Bill Ackman’s SPAC Gets Sued” from The New York Times
“Why is China targeting its own internet companies?” from “Marketplace Tech”
“China Wants Manufacturing — Not the Internet — to Lead the Economy” from The Wall Street Journal
“Disinformation for Hire, a Shadow Industry, Is Quietly Booming” from The New York Times
“The Most Influential Spreader of Coronavirus Misinformation Online” from The New York Times
Our episode with disinformation expert Nina Jankowicz
“Local canners in a pickle over ongoing canning-lid shortage” from Inforum
“Shortage of Canning Lids Proves Costly” from The New York Times archives

Read the transcript here.

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For some, life is starting to resemble something like normal. Kids are going back to school, some offices are welcoming back workers… so why are we still feeling stressed?

Social psychologist Amy Cuddy says there are a couple reasons. For one, the pandemic has gone on for so long, our coping system known as “surge capacity” is now depleted.

And when you throw the coronavirus delta variant into the mix, things get even harder. Cuddy says right now it’s common for people to experience spikes in anxiety, depression and have a desire to escape. She refers to this as “pandemic flux syndrome.” That’s not a clinical term. But it is real.

On today’s show, Cuddy explains the role employers can play to help workers through this chapter of the pandemic.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Why This Stage of the Pandemic Makes Us So Anxious” from Amy Cuddy in The Washington Post
“Vaxed, waxed, but definitely not relaxed: Welcome to the pandemic swerve” from The Washington Post
“The Afghanistan Papers: A Secret History of the War” from The Washington Post
“She was the only member of Congress to vote against the war in Afghanistan. Some called her a traitor.” from The Washington Post
“How social media is dealing with the Taliban takeover” from CNN
“MacKenzie Scott’s Money Bombs Are Single Handedly Reshaping America” from Bloomberg

Read the transcript here.

When you’re done listening, tell your Echo device to “make me smart” for our daily explainers. This week, we’re explaining 747 jumbo jets, the Social Security System and Rosie the Riveter! You can hear all our explainers here. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter! You can find the latest issue here.

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The United Nations report on the climate crisis may have fallen out of the headlines, but we’re still taking about it on the show. Today, we’ll dig into how the climate is behind a historic water shortage in the West affecting millions of residents and businesses. We’re also obsessing over today’s other big story: the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the rise of the Taliban. Plus, yay for reducing child hunger in America and congrats to USWNT legend Carli Lloyd on her retirement.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Biden’s Betrayal of Afghans Will Live in Infamy” from The Atlantic
“First-ever water cuts declared for Colorado River in historic drought” from CNN
“First Child Tax Credit Payments Slashed Child Hunger By 24 Percent” from Fatherly
“Biden Administration to Increase Food Aid” from Pew Charitable Trusts
“USWNT star Carli Lloyd content as she announces she’s retiring at the end of this year” from the Los Angeles Times

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The delta variant might have some of us feeling like we’re reliving March 2020, but a new piece in The Atlantic is making us smart on how the COVID-19 pandemic might end. We’ll discuss what it’ll mean when the virus becomes endemic and blends into the background of our lives. Plus, people are getting vaccine boosters under the table, and it’s getting ‘hot in herre’: Earth just went though the hottest month on record! Then, we end Friday like we usually do, with a round of Half Full/Half-Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about:

“It’s official: July was Earth’s hottest month on record” from NOAA
“Delta Has Changed the Pandemic Endgame” from The Atlantic
“Unvaccinated people face more Covid restrictions in future” from CNBC
“Alabama Just Tossed 65,000 Vaccines. Turns Out It’s Not Easy To Donate Unused Doses” from NPR
“One Million People Have Opted for a Third COVID Booster Shot, CDC Estimates” from Newsweek
“Major League Baseball hopes a real-life ‘Field of Dreams’ will bring back fans” from Marketplace
“The microwedding is here to stay, this event planner says” from Marketplace
“Senate proposal lays path for universal pre-K” from Marketplace
“Why is Friday the 13th unlucky? The cultural origins of an enduring superstition” from CNN

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The latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau might create the impression that America just became more diverse, but we may have been that way all along. We’ll break down some of the census numbers. Also, guest host Meghan McCarty Carino, who’s feeling a little less hollowed out today, discusses what we can learn from Native Americans’ high COVID-19 vaccination rates. Then, the hosts get all smiley and talk about LeVar Burton’s future post-“Jeopardy!” and what happened when a celebrity spotted a bear inside a grocery store.

Here’s everything we talked about:

“2020 Census Statistics Highlight Local Population Changes and Nation’s Racial and Ethnic Diversity” from the U.S. Census Bureau
“LGBT Community Harder Hit by Economic Impact of the Pandemic” from the U.S. Census Bureau
“Despite obstacles, Native Americans have the nation’s highest COVID-19 vaccination rate” from The Los Angeles Times
“Ava DuVernay Wants to Create a Show for LeVar Burton After His ‘Jeopardy!’ Heartbreak” from TV Insider
“Tisha Campbell Encounters Wild Bear Inside California Supermarket – and Has Video to Prove It!” from People

Read the transcript here.

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Senators have been referring to the bipartisan infrastructure deal as a $1.2 trillion package. They say $500 billion is considered new spending. So where does the other $500 billion come from? On this “Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday,” we’ll also answer your questions about who is picking up the tab for unvaccinated Americans’ weekly COVID-19 tests. Plus, we’ll explain why so many Olympic athletes are broke.

Here’s a list of everything we talked about today:

“The Price of Olympic Glory” from Vox
“What’s in the $1.2 Trillion Senate Infrastructure Package” from The Washington Post
“How The Infrastructure Bill Aims to Tackle Climate Change” from “Marketplace”
“New Rule Raises Question: Who’ll Pay for All the Covid Tests?” from The New York Times
“Germany Will Stop Paying for Virus Tests for People Choosing to Remain Unvaccinated” from The New York Times

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A growing list of huge companies, from Google to Walmart and Tyson Foods to United Airlines, have announced they’ll require shots for employees, customers or both. Restaurants and other small businesses are, too. But making a mandate is one thing; figuring out the enforcement, the caveats and the impact is another. On today’s show, MIT Technology Review reporter Mia Sato walks us through how these mandates happened, who gets left out from them and whether corporate America can actually save “hot vax summer” from the surge in delta variant cases.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Sato’s latest for Technology Review’s Pandemic Technology Project: “The best vaccine incentive might be paid time off“
“Covid vaccine mandates sweep across corporate America as delta variant spurs action” from CNBC
“Covid-19 Vaccine Mandates Split Corporate America” from The Wall Street Journal
“Bollinger’s Mill and Burfordville Covered Bridge Featured on Missouri Statehood Stamp” from USPS, plus some background on that bridge
“Out-of-state healthcare workers coming to Texas as state hits record low ICU beds, Gov. Abbott announces” from KXAN in Austin
“Senate Passes Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill” from The Wall Street Journal

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We have two routes to the dark place today: That harrowing U.N. report on the climate crisis and the 2021 redo of all the COVID superspreader angst we went through last year. We’ll talk about both before getting into some of the stories we missed over the weekend. Plus: Who do you have on your Nickelodeon character bracket?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Some Climate Change Effects May Be Irreversible, U.N. Panel Says” from The Wall Street Journal
“COVID vaccines to be required for military under new US plan” from the Associated Press
Plus a little additional context
“From Fall Out Boy to Counting Crows — Shows Shutting Down While Delta Surges” from Rolling Stone
“Sturgis Rally 2021 sees high attendance, police, law enforcement say” from the Argus Leader
“NCAA Undervalued Women’s Basketball Tournament by Millions While Prioritizing Men’s Tourney, Report Finds” from The Wall Street Journal
“A recall of Philips respiratory devices has left users stranded” from the Verge
“The Best Nickelodeon Character Bracket” from the Ringer
“This is the world’s blackest black ink. It’s like staring into infinity” from Fast Company

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We’re picking up some of the apocalyptic themes from yesterday to talk about the drought and wildfires throughout the Western U.S., and how the folks who left the cities in the pandemic are dealing with them. Oh, and the climate threats to the gulf stream. The dark place sting does make an appearance. It’s not all bad though: There’s a new moon and a meteor shower next week, and we get to play another round of our favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“From housing crisis to fire crisis: S.F.’s exodus led many to new conundrum” from the San Francisco Chronicle
“Dixie fire is now 3rd largest wildfire in California history” from the Los Angeles Times
“Pandemic-driven urban flight reshapes California rural life” also from the L.A. Times
“‘It feels like it’s 100 every single day’: Worsening heat alters life for inland California” from, yes, the L.A. Times
“Pandemic flips equation on where people want to live” from Marketplace
“Scientists spot warning signs of Gulf Stream collapse” from The Guardian
“Key Atlantic Current Weakening—But Could It Collapse Completely?” from Gizmodo
“Perseid meteor shower peaks this month! New moon bodes well for skywatchers.” from Space.com
And our Half Full/Half Empty topics: the new eviction ban, privacy “nutrition” labels, EV goals and Ever Given tourism (?)

Read the transcript here.

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Feeling a little hollowed out this Thursday? Some in the media are downright apocalyptic. On today’s show, we’ll unpack some of the coverage around COVID-19 variants and what you should (and shouldn’t) be worried about. It does get a little dark though. Later on, guest hosts Kimberly Adams and Meghan McCarty Carino cheer each other up with their favorite Olympic moments.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“A Doomsday COVID Variant Worse Than Delta and Lambda May Be Coming, Scientists Say” from Newsweek, and a Twitter doctor’s thoughts on that headline
“S.Korea on alert for new Delta Plus COVID-19 variant” from Reuters
“The Lambda variant: is it more infectious, and can it escape vaccines? A virologist explains” from The Conversation
“U.S. plans to give extra COVID-19 shots to at-risk Americans, Fauci says” from Reuters
“Knitting diver Tom Daley shows his masterpiece — a Team Great Britain sweater” from ESPN
“Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim and Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi share high jump gold medal” from The Washington Post
Finally, this horse just vibing

Read the transcript here.

Join us on YouTube Fridays at 3:30 p.m. Pacific/6:30 p.m. Eastern for our live happy hour episode! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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Like so many people hanging out at home in this pandemic, our listener Joel got a dog. He wants to know if enough people got new pets to make an economic impact. On today’s show, we’ll do the numbers and answer more of your questions about wildfires and vaccines, plus get an update from Kimberly’s Uncle Davids.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“F.D.A. Aims to Give Final Approval to Pfizer Vaccine by Early Next Month” from The New York Times
“Q&A: When might the coronavirus vaccines get full approval?” from The Washington Post
“California’s 2018 wildfires caused $150 billion in damages” from Science Daily
“Thanks to sheltering in place, animal shelters are empty” from Wired
“No, People Are Not Returning Pandemic Dogs in Droves” from The New York Times
More pet data from Packaged Facts
“DTC dog food brands are on the rise: What to know” from NBC News
Some background on Kimberly’s Uncle Davids

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The debt ceiling debate is full of contradictions. It’s real but it’s not real. It’s a problem but it’s not a problem. Congress missed the deadline to raise the federal borrowing limit before it went back into effect at over the weekend. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has moved some money around as a short-term fix, but Congress needs to raise the limit, and soon. But America’s debt isn’t like other kinds of debt, or even other countries’ debts. On today’s show, Harvard economist Megan Greene explains it all as we prepare for that perennial partisan fight. Plus: “spiritual opium,” “Pokémon Go” and, oh yeah, that infrastructure spending bill.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Debt Ceiling Deadline: What It Means and How Congress Can Act” from The Wall Street Journal
“U.S. deficit to hit $3 trillion in 2021, then fade as stimulus relief expires, CBO says” from The Washington Post
“Yellen Warns Congress About Failure to Act on Debt Limit” from The New York Times
“Tencent Sinks After China Denounces Online Gaming” from The Wall Street Journal
“Crypto ‘Wild West’ requires new laws, SEC chair says” from Politico
“The infrastructure deal could create pipelines for captured CO2” from The Verge
“Drunk-Driver Detectors for Cars Part of Infrastructure Bill” from Bloomberg
“Industry groups, equity advocates laud infrastructure broadband provisions” from Roll Call
“Augmented reality may change how we see the world. Until then, we have Pokémon.” from “Marketplace Tech”

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The federal eviction moratorium expired at the end of July, meaning potentially millions of struggling renters could lose their homes. On today’s show, we’ll pick apart the finger pointing between the White House and congressional leadership over who let the moratorium lapse, and what’s next for renters and landlords. Plus: The Ozarks, wolf turns and mysterious jetpack pilots.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden play hot potato with evictions, pointing fingers over who should extend the moratorium” from Insider
“What’s next for struggling renters now that the eviction ban has expired” from CNN
“U.S. hits Biden’s vaccination goal a month late, with 70 percent of adults receiving at least one shot” from The Washington Post
“‘What’s Covid?’ Why People at America’s Hardest-Partying Lake Are Not About to Get Vaccinated” from Politico
“‘The Jetpack Guy Is Back’: Los Angeles Sighting Draws an Inquiry, Again” from The New York Times
“Why the “wolf turn” is such a big deal” from Vox

Read the transcript here.

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A tiny fraction of 1% of vaccinated Americans have tested positive for COVID-19. But if you don’t read beyond the headlines, you might not know that. On this punchy happy hour episode, we’ll talk about why the media need to do better reporting on the delta variant. And speaking of failure … Congress went on summer break without extending the eviction moratorium. We’ll talk about it and play another round of our favorite game, “Half Full/Half Empty.”

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Here’s a link to join our fan-run Discord server
Kai’s interview with the Crocs CEO
“Breakthrough Covid cases are on the rise among the vaccinated” from NBC News
A couple of threads about this reporting
“DeSantis seeks to block school mask mandates in Florida” from Politico
“Millions of renters could face eviction as moratorium ends” from Marketplace
“Evictions looming, Biden fails to get Congress to extend ban” from the Associated Press
“Wally Funk Is Defying Gravity and 60 Years of Exclusion From Space” from The New York Times
Finally, our “Half Full/Half Empty” topics: the alcohol shortage, Big Tech antitrust, FAA regulating spaceflight and copycat Crocs

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It was bound to happen at some point. Scarlett Johansson, who’s played Black Widow in Marvel movies for a decade now, is suing Disney for breach of contract. After delaying it a year for the COVID-19 pandemic, the company released the “Black Widow” movie on Disney+ the same day it hit theaters. We’ll talk about the suit and what it says about the state of the movie industry. Plus: some vaccination history, the Steak-umm Twitter and a few technical difficulties, because why not?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Scarlett Johansson Sues Disney for Breach of Contract Over ‘Black Widow’ Release” from Variety
“How A Massive Pay Gap Occurred In The ‘All The Money In The World’ Reshoot” from NPR
“Which Companies Are Mandating Covid-19 Vaccines for Employees?” from The Wall Street Journal
But what about Congress?
“St. Louis County Health Director: I Was Assaulted, Called ‘Brown C——’ After Mask Plea” from the Riverfront Times
“George Washington and the First Mass Military Inoculation” from the Library of Congress
“Where should you go if society collapses? New Zealand” from MarketWatch
And this thread from, uh, Steak-umm.

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Facebook earnings are out, and one our listeners is looking for a little clarity in how exactly the company keeps beating expectations and bringing in tens of billions every quarter. We’ll get into the nuances of ad targeting, locking down your profile and how we create our own filter bubbles. Plus, more answers to your questions about the Congressional Budget Office, Navy planes and unemployment benefits.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Did hiring pick up after states ended extra federal unemployment benefits?” from “Marketplace”
“States that dropped $300 weekly unemployment benefits didn’t see hiring boost” from “Marketplace Morning Report”
“This is how Facebook uses your data for ad targeting” from Recode
“Facebook beats earnings expectations, but warns of significant growth slowdown” from CNBC
Kai’s 2017 interview with then-CBO head Keith Hall
“An Evaluation of CBO’s Past Revenue Projections” from the CBO
“Americans are heading back to gyms as interest in at-home workouts wanes, Jefferies says” from CNBC
“Peloton reveals the cost of its treadmill recall. Short answer: A lot” from Fortune

Read the transcript here.

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Was WeWork a tech company? A trillion-dollar business? A way of life? With the benefit of hindsight it’s easy to say, emphatically, “No.” But looking back at the lofty goals and investor enthusiasm that propelled the We Co. to a $47 billion valuation, we’re left wondering if the people involved have learned anything. Here to talk with us about it is Wall Street Journal reporter Maureen Farrell, who co-wrote the new book “The Cult of We: WeWork, Adam Neumann and the Great Startup Delusion.” Plus: Simone Biles, the Food and Drug Administration and polyamory pedantics.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Read an excerpt from “The Cult of We”
Revisit our previous episodes on WeWork and SPACs
“WeWork Prepares For A Second Act — Banking Its Future On The Rise Of Remote Work” from NPR
“Simone Biles withdraws from women’s team gymnastics at Tokyo Olympics as ROC wins gold” from CNN
“CDC reinstitutes mask recommendations for some vaccinated people” from The Verge
“FDA says its ‘working as quickly as possible’ to review for full approval of vaccines” from ABC News
“Biden Projects Final F.D.A. Vaccine Approval Within Months” from The New York Times
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s pro-vaccine (but anti-mask) Washington Post op-ed
“Sallie Krawcheck on what the pandemic means for women’s finances” from Marketplace

Click here to read a transcript of this episode.

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There are limits to personal freedom and responsibility — it runs out when you put others at risk. You can’t drive drunk, for example. But are people who aren’t vaccinated for COVID-19 as brazen as a drunk driver? Or are they victims, scammed by bad information? Sociology professor Brooke Harrington has a great thread trying to reconcile all this, and we’re going to unpack it a bit on today’s show. Plus: Olympics highs and lows, the Frito-Lay strike and a sneak peek of tomorrow’s bananapants episode.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Harrington’s thread on COVID vaccines
“California, New York City to Mandate Covid-19 Vaccine or Regular Testing for Government Workers” from The Wall Street Journal
“V.A. Issues Vaccine Mandate for Health Care Workers, a First for a Federal Agency” from The New York Times
“Disinformation for Hire, a Shadow Industry, Is Quietly Booming” also from the Times
“Frito-Lay Workers in Kansas Ratify Contract, Ending Strike” from, yep, The New York Times
“Tunisia’s Ahmed Hafnaoui’s Olympic win sparks pride and joy at home” from The Washington Post
“The Math Ph.D. Who Just Shocked Olympic Cycling” from The Wall Street Journal
“Pop singer Pink supports Norwegian women’s beach handball team protest over fines for ‘very sexist’ uniform rules” from ESPN

Read the transcript here.

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We started out this episode talking about the folks who are still unvaccinated for COVID-19, but quickly turned to the way the NFL switched from carrot to stick in response to the delta variant. That’s just one of a few big stories we have to talk about on this oddly sports-centric show. We’ll also talk about why HIPAA doesn’t mean what many people think it means, and play another round of Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“St. Louis, St. Louis County To Renew Mask Mandates On Monday” from St. Louis Public Radio
“Rick Dennison out as Minnesota Vikings assistant after refusing COVID-19 vaccine, sources say” from ESPN
“NFL to enforce forfeits in event of COVID-19 cancellation” from Sports Illustrated
“Some Nice Pictures of Naomi Osaka at the Cursed Olympics Which Do Not Deserve Her” from Jezebel, plus Osaka’s tweet about the event.
Our Half Full/Half Empty topics: Teenagers flooding the job market (plus Kimberly’s story about lifeguards), the EU carbon tariff, Dollar General health care, and the Cleveland Guardians

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Welcome to the metaverse! It’s run by Facebook. Plus: We cover a wide range of topics on this show and on our other daily news programs. But there’s a big one, a part of the human condition, we don’t often touch. So today we’re going to talk a bit about the proliferation of “ethical non-monogamy” on dating apps, the increase in sex toy sales in the pandemic, and why we don’t talk about those things on air very often.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Mark Zuckerberg is betting Facebook’s future on the metaverse” from The Verge
“Polyamory increases in popularity as record numbers flock to dating apps” from ABC News
“How Polyamorists and Polygamists Are Challenging Family Norms” from The New Yorker
“People are more sexually adventurous right now — and more cautious” from Mashable
“Augmented reality may change how we see the world. Until then, we have Pokémon.” from “Marketplace Tech”
Plus a Pokémon grammar lesson
“Jordan Peele reveals title of new thriller starring Daniel Kaluuya” from The A.V. Club

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Federal student loan forbearance is set to expire at the end of September. There was a lot of talk at the start of the year of the Biden administration forgiving some amount of student loan debt, and one listener wants to know: What happened with all that? We’ll attempt to figure out the answer on this Whadda Ya Wanna Know Wednesday, plus more of your questions about the doctor shortage and the longevity of phone and electric car batteries.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Broken iPhone? Stalled Tractor? FTC Wants to Make It Easier to Fix Them” from The Wall Street Journal
“The Fix Is In” from United States Public Interest Research Group
“Electric Car Battery Life: Everything You Need to Know” from Car and Driver
“Tesla and the science behind the next-generation, lower-cost, ‘million-mile’ electric-car battery” from CNBC
“Millions of electric cars are coming. What happens to all the dead batteries?” from Science
“Biden has canceled $1.5 billion in student loan debt so far. It doesn’t mean broad forgiveness will come soon” from CNBC
“Student loan borrowers may get more time without having to make payments” also from CNBC
“Miguel Cardona’s Education Priorities: Addressing Disparities, Student Loans, Pre-K and More” from the Education Writers Association
And, of course, our episode on the student loan system
“The Covid-19 relief bill created 1,000 more residency slots for new doctors. Wealthy hospitals should be last in line to get them” from Stat News
“What would rural health care from a discount retailer look like?” from “Marketplace Morning Report”
“Out here, it’s just me: In the medical desert of rural America, one doctor for 11,000 square miles” from The Washington Post

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The power grid isn’t like other infrastructure. It’s a complex system that’s always on, on-demand all over the country. When supply can’t keep up with demand, as in extreme weather, things can go wrong very quickly. Carnegie Mellon assistant professor Destenie Nock studies and helps plan power systems, and on today’s show she’ll tell us about the challenges of maintaining and repairing a power grid in the face of climate change, and the outlook for potential solutions.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Recent heat waves show the US power grid is not ready for climate change” from Recode
“U.S. electrical grids are not prepared for climate change” from Marketplace
“Luntz: ‘I was wrong’ on climate change” from Politico
“The Luntz Memo and the Framing of Climate Change” from Big Think
“Drought in Utah Town Halts Growth” from the New York Times
“U.S. judge rules DACA program illegal, suspends new applications” from Reuters
A list of 10 dyslexia-friendly fonts

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We’re keeping with our What’d We Miss Monday theme and tackling a bunch of the biggest stories that crossed our desks this weekend. There’s the delta variant of COVID-19, the plight of Uyghurs in China and potential new worker safety regulations in the face of climate change. But if that all sounds like too much of a bummer, we have a fun story about gardening in space.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Florida man gets 8 months in prison in 1st felony sentence from Capitol riot” from NBC News
“A federal judge upholds Indiana University’s vaccination requirement for students.” from The New York Times
“Amazon to Stop Covid Testing in U.S. Warehouses” from The Information
“60% of people being admitted to UK hospitals are unvaccinated – adviser” from Reuters
“US to Accuse China of Microsoft Hacking” from The New York Times
“Senate passes bill that would ban all products from Xinjiang over China rights abuse” from Axios
“Actor John Cena apologizes to Chinese audience after calling Taiwan a country” from NBC News
“One by One, My Friends Were Sent to the Camps” from The Atlantic
“Dixie Fire may have been sparked by PG&E equipment, company says” from the San Francisco Chronicle
“Biden administration, workers grapple with health threats posed by climate change and heat” from The Washington Post
The Guardian’s Pegasus project
“Astronauts on International Space Station are growing chile peppers in a first for NASA” from CNN
“The Truth Behind the Amazon Mystery Seeds From China” from The Atlantic

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You know how in disaster movies, you usually see a montage of news stories as everything falls apart? We can’t help but feel that way about all the climate-related news this week. Good thing it’s happy hour. Plus, Kai and Kimberly disagree on President Joe Biden’s rhetoric around Facebook and play a round of our favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Biden says platforms like Facebook are ‘killing people’ with Covid misinformation” from CNN
And a thread from lawyer and podcaster Ken White about Biden’s comments
“Largest wildfire in U.S. spreads, larger than size of New York City and just 7% contained” from CBS News
“Extreme Heat Across US Is Squeezing Shellfish Supplies” from Bloomberg
“Work Injuries Tied to Heat Are Vastly Undercounted, Study Finds” from The New York Times
“Flood Deaths Are Rising In Germany, And Officials Blame Climate Change“
And our Half Full/Half Empty topics: infrastructure, TikTok’s crypto ban and marketing power, Comic Sans (thanks to listener Dale for suggesting that one!) and the new Indiana Jones movie

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We got the Biden administration’s first advisory from the surgeon general today, and it’s about how mis- and disinformation have put lives at risk in the COVID-19 pandemic. As Los Angeles County gets ready for another mask mandate, we’ll talk about what that advisory could mean for regulations down the line. Also on today’s show: Shohei Ohtani, inflation and a reason to think twice before griping on Slack.

Here’s everything we talked about:

The text of Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s advisory
“Facebook, Twitter and other social media companies need to be treated like Big Tobacco” from NBC News
“LA County will require masks indoors amid COVID-19 surge” from the Los Angeles Times
“Transatlantic inflation surge fuels economists’ fears of overheating” from the Financial Times
“Cleveland Clinic, Mount Sinai Won’t Give Biogen’s New Alzheimer’s Drug” from The Wall Street Journal
“Netflix Fires Marketing Execs for Criticizing Bosses Over Slack” from The Hollywood Reporter
“The Origin Story of Shohei Ohtani, Two-Way Superhero” from The Ringer
“ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith apologizes for “insensitive” comments about Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani” from CBS News
One of Ohtani’s more incredible hits

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Japan has a relatively old population and a relatively low vaccination rate. A listener in Tokyo wants to know: What would have happened if the Olympic Committee had canceled the TV-only Summer Games entirely? On today’s show, we’ll follow the money. Plus, more of your questions about inflation, military service and the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Yes. Tokyo Olympics are ‘a go’ despite opposition, pandemic” from the Associated Press
“Where Does The IOC’s Money Go?” from Deadspin
“Cancel the Tokyo Games—and Abolish the Olympics Forever” from the New Republic
“Perceptions feed inflation. That’s why the Federal Reserve surveys consumers” from Marketplace
Our 2015 interview with then-President Barack Obama, defending the TPP

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You might not want to crack open your smartphone, but iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens wants you to have the option. His company provides instructions, parts and tools, but there’s a lot more to the “right to repair.” It’s a movement with implications for the environment and the broader economy, and bipartisan support is growing at the state and federal levels. Wiens talks us through it on today’s show. Plus: A listener weighs in with a list of what America does well, and European Union Commissioner Margrethe Vestager answers the Make Me Smart question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Wiens’ op-ed in The Washington Post today
“I replaced my iPhone battery myself. Here’s what happened” from CNET
“Tesla’s $16,000 Quote for a $700 Fix Is Why Right to Repair Matters” from the Drive
“President Joe Biden’s latest executive order is a huge win for right to repair” from he Verge
“Apple Is Lobbying Against Your Right to Repair iPhones, New York State Records Confirm” from Vice
“Microsoft played key role in stopping ‘Right to Repair’ in Washington” from U.S. PIRG
The FTC’s report on repair restrictions from earlier this year
A similar analysis from Stanford
“Behind the Lordstown Debacle, the Hand of a Wall Street Dealmaker” from The New York Times
“Google Told to Pay for News With Ultimatum and $593 Million Fine” from Bloomberg
Molly’s interview with Vestager on “Marketplace Tech”

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Kai was out on Friday, and there’s a lot to talk about, so we’re taking our listener Andrew’s suggestion and trying out “What’d We Miss Mondays” around here. On the docket: China’s economic recovery, wildfires, Virgin Galactic, Euro Cup, Biden’s executive orders, Burger King and more. Let us know what you think of this grab-bag format for a Monday!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“China’s Slowing V-Shaped Economic Recovery Sends Global Warning” from Bloomberg
“Watch Stephen Colbert Narrate the Billionaire Going to Space Because He Can” from New York Magazine
“Gov. Gavin Newsom Retreats On $1 Billion Wildfire Prevention Plan Ahead Of Meeting With President Biden” from CapRadio
“California Wildfires Are Sparking Firenadoes” from Gizmodo
“‘Unrecognizable.’ Lake Mead, a lifeline for water in Los Angeles and the West, tips toward crisis” from the Los Angeles Times
“Texas House Democrats flee the state in move that could block voting restrictions bill, bring Legislature to a halt” from The Texas Tribune
“Biden launches assault on monopolies” from Politico
“Judge Refuses to Seal Names of ‘Kraken’ Witnesses Who Have Asked to Remain Anonymous, Readies for Sanctions Hearing Against Lin Wood and Sidney Powell” from Law & Crime
“England FA condemn racist abuse aimed at Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho after Euro 2020 shootout loss” from ESPN, and Rashford’s statement is here
“Burger King sign reading ‘we all quit’ goes viral after employees walk out” from Fox News

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This Friday, let’s look at things a bit differently. Take, for example, the Disney classic that’s really about climate change, or why Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson should maybe stick around on Earth. Did we mention this happy hour is sober? All that, plus another round of our favorite game Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“New York City warned ‘climate change is here’ as storm floods streets and subway” from The Guardian
“Monsters Inc. is a metaphor for transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy” from Flicks
“Monsters, Inc.: An Animated Movie About the Modern Energy Industry” from Energy at the Movies
“Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson Shouldn’t Be Going to Space” from The Atlantic
“Biden to Urge More Scrutiny of Big Business” from The New York Times
And our Half Full/Half Empty topics: the Ever Given, COVID resume gaps, Fox Weather and TikTok resumes
Here’s a link to join our fan-run Discord server

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Billionaires, Big Tech executives and media moguls are rubbing shoulders in Sun Valley, Idaho, this week. Normally, they tend to be a little press shy at the annual event, but Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg were all smiles during a photo op today … timed conveniently after an excerpt from a dishy, new book about their partnership dropped in The New York Times. We’ll unpack that on today’s show, plus we’ll discuss COVID boosters, the Olympics and New York City subway floodwater.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Pfizer says it is developing a Covid booster shot to target the highly transmissible delta variant” from CNBC
“As California reopens, do not forget these three mistakes on COVID-19” from SFGate
“Japan declares state of emergency, Olympics still on but without fans in Tokyo” from Yahoo Sports
“Wells Fargo tells customers it’s shuttering all personal lines of credit” from CNBC
“Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg’s Partnership Did Not Survive Trump” from The New York Times
Pelosi throws shade
“Some subway system ya got there”
“Ritz leaves internet ‘speechless’ after explaining reason behind cracker shape” from Fox News
Sharkfest … it’s weird

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After the long holiday weekend, we have a few Independence Day-themed listener questions to answer. We’ll get into the supply chain for fireworks, as well as that potential stumper from the episode title. And we’ll talk about private equity and the housing market and COVID-19 and the labor force.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

More about our theme music, “The Informant”
“The Labor Market May Be Tighter than the Level of Employment Suggests” from the Dallas Fed
And some more relevant numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
“Wall Street isn’t to blame for the chaotic housing market” from Vox
“Institutional investors are stiff competition for homebuyers” from Marketplace
“Investment Firms Aren’t Buying All the Houses. But They Are Buying the Most Important Ones.” from Slate
“A fireworks shortage has prices surging and customers racing to stock up ahead of the Fourth of July weekend” from Insider
“Fireworks Are Pricey and in Tight Supply This July Fourth” from The Wall Street Journal

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A lot’s changed since the last time we saw Annabelle Gurwitch. Since the actress and writer last appeared on our show back in 2017, she’s been living through the same pandemic as the rest of us, of course, but she’s also gotten divorced, lost her health insurance, had her car repossessed, tried out gig work, and then was diagnosed with lung cancer. In her new book “You’re Leaving When?” Gurwitch discusses downward mobility. We’ll talk with her about it, plus her experience sheltering LA homeless youth in her guest bedroom.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Gurwitch’s columns about her cancer diagnosis and hosting homeless youth, plus more information on all of her books
Our first episode with Gurwitch, number 17!
“US Capitol Police to open California office” from The Los Angeles Times
“Nikole Hannah-Jones, Ta-Nehisi Coates joining Howard University faculty” from The Washington Post
“Pentagon Scraps JEDI in Win for Amazon at Microsoft’s Expense” from The Wall Street Journal

When you’re done listening, tell your Echo device to “make me smart” for our daily explainers. This week, we’re explaining sister cities, strawberries and the Cannes Film Festival. You can hear them all here. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter! You can find the latest issue here.

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The Summer Olympic Games are about three weeks away. This week, there’s been no shortage of controversy around the International Olympic Committee and its treatment of Black athletes. Over drinks today we’ll run it down. Plus: a surprising statement from the defense secretary and a surprise guest joins us for “Half Full/Half Empty.”

Here’s everything we talked about today:

This Twitter thread from Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III
“U.S. Leaves Its Last Afghan Base, Effectively Ending Operations” from The New York Times
“Sha’Carri Richardson and the Absurd Disqualifications of Female Athletes” from New York Times Opinion
“Soul Cap: Afro swim cap Olympic rejection ‘heartbreaking’ for black swimmers” from the BBC
“Why Are Jim Thorpe’s Olympic Records Still Not Recognized?” from Smithsonian magazine
Our “Half Full/Half Empty” topics: fireworks, hiring bonuses, the billionaire space race and United’s new planes

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The Supreme Court upheld Arizona’s voting restrictions with a 6-3 ruling today. We’ll talk about what it means for the Voting Rights Act, and the signal the conservative court is sending about voting laws overall. Plus: Why Robinhood could be the new WeWork, and the gender pay gap in the White House.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Supreme Court Upholds Arizona Voting Restrictions” from the New York Times
“Feds Seized Robinhood CEO’s Phone in GameStop Trading Halt Investigation” from Vice
“Financial regulator hits Robinhood for $70 million for “widespread and significant harm” to customers” from CBS News
“Inside the Capitol Riot: An Exclusive Video Investigation” from the New York Times
“Women in the Biden White House earn 99 cents for every $1 earned by men” from The 19th
Also, shoutout to Andrew for giving our Monday shows a theme
“Titans’ Rashard Weaver says his mom won’t pay his phone bill anymore: ‘I feel betrayed’” from the Tennessean

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You can still find chicken wings in grocery stores, but not so much in restaurants. This after last year, when canceling March Madness lead to a surplus of chicken wings. The chicken wing shortage might even have Wingstop pivoting to thighs. We talked with the National Chicken Council about it. Plus, more listener questions about vaccines, antitrust and 3-pointers.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Big Tech antitrust bills pass first major hurdle in House even as opposition grows” from The Washington Post
“White House targets corporate giants in draft executive order” from Politico
“For Billion-Dollar COVID Vaccines, Basic Government-Funded Science Laid the Groundwork” from Scientific American
“How we got a COVID-19 vaccine so fast,” our show from December
“Is there a chicken shortage? How COVID, chicken sandwich war and chicken wing demand are impacting restaurants” from USA Today
“Some restaurant chains deal with supply shortages by trying to pivot” from Marketplace Morning Report
This episode of “Marketplace Tech” is all about the 3-point shot.

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No pun intended. Big Oil has hit a number of setbacks recently, but there’s still huge demand for fossil fuels. Jason Bordoff, director of the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, gives us a more holistic view of the fight against climate change and fossil fuels’ role in it. Because even as electric cars and solar batteries become more accessible, massive industries like steel and cement still run through a lot of oil. So, too, will emerging economies in Africa and Southeast Asia.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Read more of Bordoff’s work here
“Scrap the sale of gasoline cars and stop investing in fossil fuels to meet net-zero targets, IEA says” from CNBC
“Big Setbacks Propel Oil Giants Toward a ‘Tipping Point’” from The New York Times
“Oil Price Hits Pandemic High as Investors Bet on Green Energy” from The Wall Street Journal
“LA County urges indoor mask wearing as Delta variant spreads” from the Los Angeles Times
“Inside the risky bat-virus engineering that links America to Wuhan” from MIT Technology Review

When you’re done listening, tell your Echo device to “make me smart” for our daily explainers. This week, we’re explaining the Pride flag, Section 18 and charcoal. You can hear them all here. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter! You can find the latest issue here.

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Some Big Tech news broke right before we recorded this episode: A federal judge dismissed antitrust lawsuits brought against Facebook by more than 40 states. Today we’ll spend some time breaking down the reasoning, its impact on Facebook’s share price and what to expect next from Lina Khan’s Federal Trade Commission. Plus: The heat wave in Oregon, LeVar Burton and a gender-reveal party that’s … actually good?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Federal court tosses antitrust suits seeking Facebook’s breakup” from Politico, and this instant analysis from The Washington Post’s Will Oremus
Our previous episodes discussing Lina Khan’s “hipster antitrust” and Tim Wu’s thoughts on the “new Gilded Age”
“Portland records all-time high temperature of 115, setting new record for third day in a row” from The Oregonian
“LeVar Burton’s Quest to Succeed Alex Trebek” from The New York Times
“New Jersey couple holds WWE-style gender reveal party” from 6ABC

Finally: We need your voice memos! Tell us what you think of the show or ask a question for Kai Ryssdal and Molly Wood to answer! Here’s how to do it.

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It’s not that they’re aliens, but they’re not not aliens. A new Pentagon report released Friday can’t account for 143 “unidentified aerial phenomena” seen since 2004, though it has a few ideas. We’ll allow ourselves to speculate, and quote “Contact” a bit on today’s show. That, plus a grab bag of news to round out the week.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“U.S. Has No Explanation for Unidentified Objects and Stops Short of Ruling Out Aliens” from The New York Times
You can read the full UFO report here (PDF).
“Chauvin gets 22 1/2 years for George Floyd’s murder” from MPR News
“Justice Dept. sues state of Georgia over new voting restrictions” from The Washington Post
“Nearly all COVID deaths in US are now among unvaccinated” from the Associated Press
This video from Imani Barbarin about Britney Spears’ conservatorship trial.
And our other Half Full/Half Empty topics: returning to the movies, Big Tech antitrust bills and Prime Day

Thanks to everyone who joined us live on YouTube today! We go live each Friday at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern for happy hour! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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More than 150 million Americans are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and that’s great. But that huge number masks some series disparities in this country, to say nothing of the rest of the world. On today’s show, we’ll talk a bit about virus variants and lasting effects in India and Brazil. Later, we’ll check in on President Joe Biden’s infrastructure plan and briefly pivot to sports and art.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“India’s black fungus outbreak: Recovering covid patients grapple with removal of eyes” from The Washington Post
“Brazil Passes 500,000 Covid Deaths, a Tragedy With No Sign of Letup” from The New York Times
“Biden, Senators Agree to Roughly $1 Trillion Infrastructure Plan” from The Wall Street Journal
“Antitrust Overhaul Passes Its First Tests. Now, the Hard Parts.” from The New York Times
“Cheer for Black girls with orange hair, long nails, tats, and lashes” from The Philadelphia Inquirer
Watch Sha’Carri Richardson’s win at the Olympic trials
“Rembrandt’s Damaged Masterpiece Is Whole Again, With A.I.’s Help” from The New York Times

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We have a good, old-fashioned “I’ve Always Wondered” kinda listener question today: Why is the doctor’s office seemingly the only place in American life you need to fax documents to? We’ll talk about why health records are so slow to digitize and the impact it can have on care. Plus more of your questions about gerrymandering and the Federal Reserve.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“How Partisan Gerrymandering Limits Voting Rights” from the Center for American Progress
“Why States Should Wait for Census Data to Draw Voting Districts” from the Brennan Center
“Why in the World Do Doctor’s Offices Still Use Fax Machines?” from Slate
“Why your doctor still relies on fax machines” from Marketplace

Join us on YouTube Fridays at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern for our live happy hour episode! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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If you’ve been tuned in to the culture war at all in the last six to 12 months, you’ve probably heard a lot about “critical race theory.” You’ve probably heard less about what it actually is. On today’s show, we’ll go deep with an actual critical race theorist on the nuances of what CRT is and isn’t, and what the recent controversy about CRT in schools has to do with the voting restrictions we talked about last week.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“What is critical race theory, and why do Republicans want to ban it in schools?” from The Washington Post, which gives context to the Christopher Rufo tweets we discussed.
“See which states have passed critical race theory bills” from NBC News
“Critical race theory battle invades school boards — with help from conservative groups” also from NBC News
“Fox’s anti-“critical race theory” parents are also GOP activists” from Media Matters
“California Has a Plan to Pay the Back Rent for Low-Income Tenants. All of It.” from The New York Times
“Where the World’s Richest 1% Are Gaining Wealth the Fastest” from Bloomberg

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It might feel like the COVID-19 pandemic is wrapping up in some parts of the United States, but there’s still new variants along with fresh revelations about the government’s response to the crisis. We’ll talk a bit about both on today’s show, plus the Supreme Court ruling on the NCAA and the West Coast perspective on New York’s mayoral race.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“New book offers fresh details about chaos, conflicts inside Trump’s pandemic response” from The Washington Post
New York City mayoral race live updates, if you’re into that sort of thing
“Amendment to Ohio budget bill would block affordable internet initiatives by schools, libraries as well as cities” from Digital Inclusion
“The Delta Coronavirus Variant Is Booming in US and Could Harm Recovery” from Insider
“Euro 2020: Denmark advances in thrilling fashion (video)” from Yahoo Sports
“NCAA Rejected by Supreme Court Unanimously in Athlete Compensation Case” from Bloomberg
“How college athletes will be cashing in after Supreme Court NCAA ruling” from CNBC

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Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is headed to space on a suborbital flight run by his company Blue Origin. As of this taping, more than 16,000 people have signed a Change.org petition telling him to stay there. (There’s also a petition for him to buy and eat the “Mona Lisa,” but we’ll leave that alone). On today’s show, Kimberly Adams rounds out her guest-hosting stint with a surprisingly thoughtful answer for why Bezos needs to come back down to Earth. But first, we have to talk about the drought in America’s southwest and a very good dog. Plus, another round of Half Full/Half Empty, with suggestions from the fan-run “Make Me Smart” Discord server!

Here’s everything we talked about today (if you can’t open these on your podcast app, check out the episode page at makemesmart.org):

“Benji Is One Down Dog” from Texas Monthly
“West Risks Blackouts as Drought Reduces Hydroelectric Power” from The Wall Street Journal
“15 Hours and 9 Waffles Later, a Fantasy Football Punishment Is Complete” from The New York Times
And our Half Full/Half Empty topics: The Boeing and Airbus subsidy truce, CEO bonuses for good behavior, aviator glasses as a gift and that Bezos petition.
Here’s a link to join our fan-run Discord server.

Thanks to everyone who joined us live on YouTube today! We’re live Fridays at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern for happy hour. Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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We’re going to get a little wonkier than usual today, because there’s a complex but important change happening in the way the Federal Reserve seems to think about the labor market and this economy more broadly. Plus: An update on that couple who waved guns at Black Lives Matter protesters and the nuances of America’s newest federal holiday.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“St. Louis gun-waving couple plead guilty to misdemeanor charges” from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch
“Beyond The Phillips Curve: A Dynamic Approach To Communicating Assessments of ‘Maximum Employment’” on Medium
Marketplace’s “Race and Economy” series
“This Is the Story of a Man Who Jumped Into Lake Michigan Every Day for Nearly a Year” from The New York Times
“Biden signs bill into law making Juneteenth a national holiday” from CNN
“How Juneteenth becomes commercial” from Politico
And here’s a link to join our fan-run Discord server

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Kimberly Adams is still filling in for us from Washington, D.C., just in time for a big but surprisingly nuanced question about campaign finance reform. One listener wants to know about political action committees, dark money and the philosophical framework ostensibly making sure those contributions are on the right side of the law. Plus, more of your questions about career changes, gas prices and “The Expanse.”

Here’s everything we talked about today (if you can’t open these links on your podcast app, check out the episode page on makemesmart.org):

“Welcome to the summer of quitting. Why many of us are saying goodbye to our jobs” from the Los Angeles Times
“Crude oil hits highest price in nearly 3 years; pump prices jump on the week” from AAA
“The American obsession with the price of gasoline” from The Oregonian
“Outside Influence” from Issue One (PDF)
And our episode from last year on dark money
“The Expanse”

Join us on YouTube Fridays at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern for our live happy hour episode! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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For as long as we’ve had a democracy in this country, we’ve fought about who gets to vote and how. But this longstanding fight has taken on a new intensity since the 2020 election: At least 14 states have passed more than 20 laws so far this year restricting voting, and money is pouring in both to fight and enact them. On today’s show, the Brennan Center’s Daniel Weiner gives us the lay of the land and tells us why there’s reason to be hopeful about the state of voting in this country.

Here’s everything we talked about today (if you can’t click these links on your podcast app, try the episode page at makemesmart.org):

“Voting Laws Roundup” from the Brennan Center
“The DOJ has a plan to protect voting rights. It might not be enough” from Vox
Read and watch Garland’s speech on voting rights
“Voting rights issue sparks huge fundraising across political spectrum” from Marketplace
The story Kimberly mentioned about notaries in St. Louis
“Lumber Prices Are Falling Fast, Turning Hoarders Into Sellers” from The Wall Street Journal
“The Drug That Could Break American Health Care” from The Atlantic
“Aduhelm, Biogen’s new Alzheimer’s drug, won FDA approval. Now doctors, patients, and insurers face tough decisions about care and cost.” from The Philadelphia Inquirer
“The FDA’s hasty approval of an unproven Alzheimer’s drug is bad news for everyone” from the Los Angeles Times
Maggioncalda’s interview on “Marketplace Tech”
Finally, here’s the link to join the fan-run Make Me Smart discord server

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American corporations were already borrowing a lot before the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, with the economy all but ground to a halt and money even cheaper, they took on even more debt. On today’s show, we’ll talk about what that means, along with another unexpected dimension of this economy reopening: National Parks packed to the … hills.

Here’s everything we talked about today (if these links aren’t showing up for you:

“Pandemic Hangover: $11 Trillion in Corporate Debt” from The Wall Street Journal
“Vaccines Offer Significant Protection Against Covid-19 Delta Variant, U.K. Analysis Shows” also from the Journal
“National Parks Are Overcrowded and Closing Their Gates” from, that’s right, The Wall Street Journal
“‘Ted Lasso’: How Marcus Mumford and Tom Howe Created the Show’s Transatlantic Theme Song and Score” from The Hollywood Reporter
“Amtrak USA Rail Pass Offers 30 Days of Travel for $299” from Insider
And finally, this glitch in the simulation

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Five of them, actually! We have to eat a little crow here. We’ve been saying for days, months, years that Congress can’t agree on anything much less regulate tech giants like Google, Apple and Facebook. But today lawmakers introduced five bills aimed at reining in Big Tech, and they’re bipartisan. We’ll talk about them, and the likelihood of anything passing, over drinks for today’s Economics on Tap. Plus: Pulitzers, lithium mines and another round of our favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“In Leak Investigation, Tech Giants Are Caught Between Courts and Customers” from The New York Times
This tweet from journalist Alexis Madrigal
“Pulitzer Prizes 2021: Darnella Frazier wins special citation from Pulitzer Prize board” from CNN
“Congress unveils bills to dismantle tech giants” from Axios
“Lithium Americas delays Nevada mine work after environmentalist lawsuit” from Reuters
And our Half Full/Half Empty topics: World of Concrete, Bitcoin in El Salvador, “Judge Judy” and the Atlantic Charter

Join us on YouTube Fridays at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern for our live happy hour episode! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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The deal was too good to be true, because it was: A few years ago, MoviePass started offering users unlimited movie tickets for $10 per month. It was an unworkable, growth-focused business model even more extreme than most startups subsidizing post-recession online life, and MoviePass knew it. A Federal Trade Commission investigation found all sorts of shady tactics the company used to keep its most movie-addicted viewers from getting tickets. We’ll talk about it, plus electric trucks, game show history and a new ocean (??) on this not-so-hollowed-out Thursday.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Amazon Faces Possible $425 Million EU Privacy Fine” from The Wall Street Journal
“Five Former Treasury Secretaries: Fund the IRS” from The New York Times
“MoviePass Deceived Users So They’d Use It Less, F.T.C. Says” from the New York Times
“Museum to Create a National Archives of Game Show History” also from the Times
“Farewell, Millennial Lifestyle Subsidy” from, you guessed it, the New York Times
“National Geographic adds 5th ocean to world map” from NBC News

For more on millennial lifestyle subsidies, space travel and the trade war with China, check out our newsletter! It comes out every Friday morning. Subscribe and read the latest issue here.

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We spent a lot of time on yesterday’s show talking about ransomware attacks against companies, institutions and critical infrastructure. They’re on the rise, but one listener wants to know: what about individuals? Should we be worried about an attack? On today’s show, we’ll tell you not to reuse your password and other helpful answers. Plus, more listener questions about tariffs, vaccine lotteries and day drinking.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Yesterday’s show on ransomware attacks
“How to Protect Your Files From Ransomware” from Wired
“U.S. Tariffs Drive Drop in Chinese Imports” from The Wall Street Journal
“New Trade Representative Says U.S. Isn’t Ready to Lift China Tariffs” also from the Journal
Listen to Kai’s interview with Trade Representative Katherine Tai here
“Ohio Vax-a-million: How it’s legal and why the money is being spent on a vaccine lottery” from NBC 4i
“Colorado picks first $1 million winner in vaccine drive” from the Associated Press
“California to pay $116.5 million in gifts, cash to those who get COVID vaccinations” from the Los Angeles Times
Here’s a link to join the fan-run Make Me Smart Discord server!

Do you have a question for Whatta Ya Wanna Know Wednesday? Email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or send in a voice memo! Here’s how to do it.

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There was a successful ransomware attack every eight minutes last year, according to one cybersecurity firm. This year’s high-profile attacks — the ones we know about, that is — have disrupted critical infrastructure and had knock-on effects on consumers. On today’s show, we’ll talk with Robert Latiff, author of “Future War,” about the worst-case scenario, why the U.S. is particularly vulnerable and what the federal government needs to do before it’s too late.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Are We Waiting for Everyone to Get Hacked?” from The New York Times
“U.S. to give ransomware hacks similar priority as terrorism, official says” from Reuters
“The Secret IRS Files: Trove of Never-Before-Seen Records Reveal How the Wealthiest Avoid Income Tax” from ProPublica
“National Donut Day Is In June AND November. But Why Are There 2?” from HuffPost

Finally: We need your voice memos! Tell us what you think of the show or ask a question for Kai Ryssdal and Molly Wood to answer! Here’s how to do it.

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After putting up the money for his own space company, Blue Origin, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos announced today he’ll be on board its first manned mission. His brother will too. We’ll talk about it, plus more headlines from the future: cryptocurrency ransom, new treatments for Alzheimer’s and a prophetic Prince album.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Supreme Court Won’t Hear Case on Limiting Military Draft to Men” from The New York Times
“U.S. Retrieves Millions in Ransom Paid to Colonial Pipeline Hackers” from The Wall Street Journal
“F.D.A. Approves Alzheimer’s Drug Despite Fierce Debate Over Whether It Works” from The New York Times
Measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide peaked at record levels in May from The Washington Post
“Prince’s ‘Welcome 2 America,’ an Unreleased Album, Is Due Out in July” from The New York Times
“Jeff Bezos says he will fly into space next month” from Ars Technica

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You probably saw the big news from Facebook’s Oversight Board today, upholding former President Donald Trump’s suspension from the platform for two more years at least. But Mark Zuckerberg has more than Trump to deal with today, including antitrust probes from overseas. The company is still begging Congress for regulation which, we gotta say, is pretty rich. Plus, life at AMC after its meme stonk run and another round of our favorite game Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“A Black Whiskey Entrepreneur Will Help Bankroll Others Like Her” from The New York Times
“AMC Boss Adam Aron Basks in Meme-Stock Spotlight” from The Wall Street Journal
“Facebook’s Marketplace Faces Antitrust Probes in EU, U.K.” Also from the Journal
“New tech antitrust hurdle: GOP divisions” from Axios
“Employees Are Quitting Instead of Giving Up Working From Home” from Bloomberg
Plus our Half Full/Half Empty topics: Remote work, Coachella, alcohol to-go, and doughnuts (or is it donuts?)

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It’s the first week of summer — culturally, if not meteorologically. Changing of the seasons is a great time to start anew on some things, like redistributing vaccines for example; and to stop doing other things, like Facebook’s policy carve outs for politicians or the NFL’s shocking “race-norming” practice. We’ll talk about all of it, plus a whale vomit jackpot.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Biden admin reveals plans for first 25 million donated vaccine doses” from Politico
“NFL to halt ‘race-norming,’ review Black claims” from ESPN
“‘Race Norming’ Blamed for Denying Payouts to Ex-NFL Players With Dementia” from the University of California, San Francisco
“Giving people money works. Honestly.” from The Washington Post’s opinion section
“COVID-19 cases hit their lowest point in the U.S. since the pandemic began” from Axios
“Biden called Larry Summers to discuss his economic plans” from The Washington Post
“Facebook to end special treatment for politicians after Trump ban” from The Verge
“Trump deplatforms himself” from Platformer
“Meditation app backs Naomi Osaka after French Open withdrawal, vows to pay player fines” from Fox Business
“Fishermen Net Once-In-Lifetime Find: $1.5 Million Worth of Whale Vomit” from Insider
“United will buy 15 ultrafast airplanes from start-up Boom Supersonic” from CNBC

Finally: We need your voice memos! Tell us what you think of the show or ask a question for Kai Ryssdal and Molly Wood to answer! Here’s how to do it.

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A few years ago, it might have been an intriguing idea: All the smart speakers, cameras and so on in your home networking with nearby smart home devices in your neighborhood, forming a mesh network so they all work better. But this is 2021 and Amazon is turning on the feature by default. You’d be right to have some questions. Ahead of Amazon Sidewalk’s launch this month, we’ll tell you about the privacy implications and how to opt out. Plus, more listener questions about destroyed currency and cargo ship jail.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“How Amazon Sidewalk Works—and Why You May Want to Turn It Off” from Wired
“Amazon devices will soon automatically share your Internet with neighbors” from Ars Technica
“Egyptian Officials Accuse Ever Given’s Captain of Losing Control of Ship in Suez Canal” from The Wall Street Journal
“Egypt Court Adjourns Suez Ship Case for More Compensation Talks” from Bloomberg
This episode of “Planet Money” goes inside the Mutilated Currency Division

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You might remember our episode on the tax gap, the billions unpaid by some of the richest Americans. Better enforcement of the existing tax law could yield big returns, but that’s just for individuals. Corporations pay taxes too — that is, when they aren’t parking their money in overseas tax havens. To stave off a “race to the bottom” and fund its infrastructure plan, the Biden administration is pushing for a global corporate tax minimum of around 15%. On today’s show, Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center senior fellow Thornton Matheson talks us through who benefits from the tax trends of the past 30 years, which countries are on board with Joe Biden’s proposed 15% minimum and the chances of it actually happening.

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Always double-check before you click. Over 150 organizations worldwide were targeted in the attack, according to a blog post from Microsoft this week. The company believes the Russian group behind the attack, Nobelium, was also responsible for last year’s massive SolarWinds hack. Microsoft said that at least a quarter of the organizations targeted are involved in international humanitarian and human rights work. This comes three weeks before a scheduled meeting between President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin. We talked about how that conversation might go. Plus, the rest of the day’s news and a round of everyone’s favorite Friday fixture, Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Russia Appears to Carry Out Hack Through System Used by U.S. Aid Agency” from The New York Times
Opinion | “Covid’s Deadliest Phase May Be Here Soon” from The New York Times
“We Need to Get Real About How the Pandemic Will End” from Insight
Iran blocking Bitcoin mining after blackouts and power surges from CNBC
And our Half Full/Half Empty topics: ghost kitchens, climate change pressure on Big Oil, Amazon purchases MGM, Guy Fieri’s big payday, and Big Cat crypto

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Earlier today, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced California would be joining the slew of states that are offering incentives to encourage vaccinations, which have been steadily declining. Folks who have already gotten their shots are also eligible for the prizes, which range from a $50 grocery card to a grand prize of $1.5 million. Plus, a big boost in crypto, big moves in the Indy 500, and AMC to the mooooon!

Here’s everything we talked about on today’s show:

California launches incentive program for COVID vaccinations from the Los Angeles Times
a16z Crypto Fund Balloons to $2 Billion from Newcomer
AMC Stock Is Soaring, Leaving GameStop in the Dust from Barron’s
On This Indianapolis 500 Team, the Boss Is a Woman. So Is the Driver. And the Mechanic. And the Engineer. from The Wall Street Journal
Industry groups sue to stop Florida’s new social media law from The Verge

“Make Me Smart” is powered by listeners like you. Become a Marketplace Investor today to help us reach our fundraising goal: marketplace.com/givesmart

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Winter is coming — eventually. Hopefully there’ll be plenty of cheer, but what about discount electronics? We answer one listener’s question about how the chip shortage will affect the holiday shopping season. Plus, Florida takes on tech, and the return of the dual voice memo!

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Chip shortage hitting just about anything with a plug or battery” from “Marketplace”
How the global chip shortage could ruin Black Friday from Protocol
Florida Fines Social Media Companies for Banning Candidates from The New York Times
Florida’s New Social Media Bill May Be Laughed Out of Court from Wired
“The Coming Currency War” from The Wall Street Journal
“Still Getting Your Head Around Digital Currency? So Are Central Bankers” from The New York Times
“China leads the digital currency pack. Do we need to keep up?” from “Marketplace Tech”

Make Me Smart is powered by listeners like you. Become a Marketplace Investor before Thursday to help us reach our fundraising goal: marketplace.com/givesmart

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How do we reduce crime, especially amid calls to defund the police?

While many point to rising crime rates as an indicator that more funding is needed, studies show almost no link between crime and money spent. So what’s the answer?

“We know what’s required,” said Elizabeth Hinton, a professor of history and African American studies at Yale University and author of the new book “America on Fire: The Untold History of Police Violence and Black Rebellion Since the 1960s.”

On today’s show, Hinton walks us through some of the decisions that have led to the current moment, past attempts to find a solution and things to consider in conversations around police funding as we move forward.

“When people are talking about defund the police or calling for defund the police, they’re saying we want a different set of investments of our taxpayer dollars into communities.”

Later on, we’ll hear from a listener who gives us insight into one of Molly’s favorite songs. Plus, an answer to the Make Me Smart Question.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

Read Hinton’s essay on police violence in The New York Times
“Cities Say They Want to Defund the Police. Their Budgets Say Otherwise.” from Bloomberg
“A Year After George Floyd: Pressure to Add Police Amid Rising Crime” from The New York Times
“More cops. Is it the answer to fighting crime?” from USA Today
Plus, more music breakdowns!

Cheers to making it through this year! Donate today to get our new Mason jar mug and “Stonktails” recipe book: marketplace.org/givesmart

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In a world where content is king, Amazon may be looking to capture the crown. There are reports the tech titan is acquiring MGM Studios. If a deal does happen, it would be Amazon’s second-largest acquisition since its purchase of Whole Foods in 2017. We take a look at what that would mean for the media landscape in the wake of the recent AT&T-Discovery deal. Plus, New York City moves away from remote learning; vaccination sweepstakes; and pandemic pups.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

Amazon to buy MGM? from The Wall Street Journal
N.Y.C. Will Eliminate Remote Learning for Next School Year from The New York Times
United Airlines giving away a chance to win free flights for a year…if you’re vaccinated from USA Today
No, People Are Not Returning Pandemic Dogs in Droves from The New York Times

Cheers to making it through this year! Donate today to get our new Mason jar mug and “Stonktails” recipe book: marketplace.org/givesmart

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The antitrust trial involving Apple and Epic Games has provided a rare look into some of the tech giant’s business practices. The case wraps up soon, and it’s going out with a … slightly boring whimper. Apple CEO Tim Cook took the witness stand today. We talk about the importance of what he said, and didn’t say. Plus, how vaccines are making singles more attractive and a round of our favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Apple’s Tim Cook Faces Pointed Questions From Judge on App Store Competition” from The Wall Street Journal
“Leaked Emails Show Crime App Citizen Is Testing On-Demand Security Force” from Vice
WeWork reports over $2 billion quarterly loss
And our Half Full/Half Empty topics: The new child tax credit, the Olympics, Internet Explorer, marathon season and oat milk.

Cheers to making it through this year! Donate today to get our new Mason jar mug and “Stonktails” recipe book: marketplace.org/givesmart

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Cryptocurrency is a hot market, and some nations’ governments are wondering if it’s time to make their move. China already has a digital yuan, and the U.S. Federal Reserve announced today that it would explore a digital currency this summer. There are important differences between a minted digital currency and cryptocurrency, and we’ll help you figure out what those are. Plus, Chris Bosh, a royal gun show and a little CEO diversity.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Fed, citing crypto risk, to open digital currency debate this summer” from Reuters
“Morgan Stanley Reorders Executive Ranks, Setting Up CEO Race” from The Wall Street Journal
“Senators reach bipartisan deal to overhaul USPS finances, tighten accountability requirements” from The Washington Post
“Chris Bosh on the Sudden, ‘Surreal’ End of His NBA Career” from The Wall Street Journal
“Twitter Users Are Obsessed With Prince William’s Vaccination Gun Show” from The Huffington Post

Cheers to making it through this year! Donate today to get our new Mason jar mug and “Stonktails” recipe book: marketplace.org/givesmart

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You know how it goes. You click on an article, but you can’t read it without tussling with a series of pop-ups, banners and prompts. “Yes, I accept cookies.” “No, I don’t want your newsletter.” “Sure, I’ll turn off my ad blocker.” “Whoops, I hit the paywall.” It’s not ideal. One of our listeners wants to know what happens if we don’t click “OK,” and the answer leads us to revisit our old friend, the General Data Protection Regulation. Plus, we answer more of your questions about cryptocurrency and coffee beer.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Colonial Pipeline CEO Tells Why He Paid Hackers a $4.4 Million Ransom” from The Wall Street Journal
This episode of Chris Hayes’ MSNBC podcast “Why Is This Happening?” which was all about cryptocurrency
“Where can I spend Bitcoin?” from Coinbase
“Elon Musk tweets ‘diamond hands’ emoji amid bitcoin drop, implying Tesla won’t sell” from CNBC
Our episode about Bitcoin from last month
“The EU doesn’t trust its citizens’ data in the hands of the U.S.” from “Marketplace Tech”
“The 27 Essential Coffee Beers, Ranked” from Thrillist
“Why the intersection of coffee and beer has become a dominant force in craft brewing” from The Chicago Tribune

Cheers to making it through this year! Donate today to get our new Mason jar mug and “Stonktails” recipe book: marketplace.org/givesmart

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We’ve put it off for a long time, but it’s time to talk about the I-word. Nine letters, three syllables: inflation. The Federal Reserve likes it around 2%, but it’s been a long time since we’ve gotten there. As this economy inches back on track, consumer prices are going up and the investor class is getting spooked. Meanwhile, Fed Chair Jay Powell is keeping interest rates low. So what’s going on? Here to make us smart (and calmer) about it all is Brown University political economist Mark Blyth.

Cheers to making it through this year! Donate today to get our new mason jar mug and “Stonktails” recipe book: marketplace.org/givesmart

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Well, it’s definitely Monday. Companies are panic-buying over inflation fears, Elon Musk is still talking about crypto, AT&T is suddenly pivoting out of content and, oh yeah, bald eagles want to eat your pets. We’ll talk about all of it. Plus: Molly reflects on a recent air travel experience that has her craving a “John Madden summer.” Your mileage may vary.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Elon Musk Is Now Blowing Up the Wall Street Case for Bitcoin” from Bloomberg
“Inflation Rate 2021 and Shortages: Companies Panic Buying as Supplies Run Short” also from Bloomberg
“Air Travel Is Back, Including All the Things You Hated” from The Wall Street Journal
“AT&T-Discovery Deal Is More Evidence Media, Telecom Don’t Mix” from, get this, Bloomberg
“Traveling with John Madden” from the Chicago Tribune
“Kenny Mayne explains why he’s leaving ESPN” from the Los Angeles Times
“Bald Eagles Are Back. And They Want to Eat Your Pets.” from The Wall Street Journal

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In just 10 minutes of searching, reporters at BuzzFeed were able to find Joe Biden’s Venmo. See, while you can make your activity on the payment app private, your friends list is always public. For the White House, there are potential national security implications, but for the layperson, that feature could open the door to spying, scamming and harassment. We’ll talk about it over drinks. Plus more of the day’s news and a round of our favorite game: Half Full/Half Empty!

By the way, in this episode we talk a lot about the new Marketplace tote bag, which is a thank-you gift for Marketplace Investors. See it for yourself and get your own here.

Here’s everything else we talked about today:

“Walmart to Stop Requiring Masks for Vaccinated Workers and Shoppers” from The Wall Street Journal
“Colonial Pipeline Hacker DarkSide Says It Will Shut Operations” also from the Journal
“We Found Joe Biden’s Secret Venmo. Here’s Why That’s A Privacy Nightmare For Everyone.” from BuzzFeed News
And our “Half-Full/Half Empty” topics: Summer camp, vaccine perks, broadband subsidies, QR codes and the mall comeback.

“Make Me Smart” is a part of your daily habit. We run on listener support, so make donating part of that habit, too! Give what you can today: marketplace.org/givesmart

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For-profit schools got a bit of a break under the Trump administration, but no longer. The former head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is now in charge of student loans at the Education Department, and he’s hitting some schools’ bottom line. Marketplace reporter Amy Scott is with us to talk about it today. Plus: the politicization of unemployment, New York City homes under $100K and, of course, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s new mask rules.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Biden Administration takes first stand against for-profit colleges” from Bloomberg
“Colonial Pipeline Paid Hackers Nearly $5 Million in Ransom” also from Bloomberg
“Gov. Ducey to end extra $300 in Arizona unemployment benefits; state will give bonuses to those who get jobs” from the Arizona Republic
“CDC says fully vaccinated people don’t have to wear masks indoors” from Axios
“There Are Only 7 Homes in New York City Under $100,000” from Curbed

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If you have an iPhone or iPad and your software is up to date, you may have seen a prompt pop up in Instagram, Facebook or other apps. It asks if you want to allow the apps to track you, and it’s a little confusing. On today’s show, we’ll try and help a listener clear it up. Plus, immersive travel, jobs numbers and Kai Ryssdal’s “Top Gun” days.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Apple releases privacy update that clamps down on data tracking” from “Marketplace Morning Report”
“Disney announces Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel will open in 2022, shows off ‘real’ lightsaber” from The Points Guy
“The Amazing Ways VR And AR Are Transforming The Travel Industry” from Forbes
“Americans set another pandemic-era record for air travel” from the Associated Press
“Top Gun: Maverick“
Molly Wood’s “Awesome Key Changes” playlist on Spotify

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This economy won’t reopen until schools reopen, full stop. So how are we doing on that? More than half of schools teaching up to eighth grade have reopened for in-person instruction, and a large majority of teachers and other relevant workers are vaccinated. But most students are still learning at least partly online and, of course, it’s nearly summer break. No one seems to know what fall will bring. Today, Washington Post education reporter Valerie Strauss walks us through the uncertainty and the possibilities of a hybrid model that’s actually good.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Read all of Strauss’ work in the Washington Post here
“Google Plans to Double AI Ethics Research Staff” from The Wall Street Journal
“Gas prices jump, fuel shortages reported as Colonial Pipeline works to restore operations” from The Washington Post
“FCC approves $7B broadband connectivity fund” from CNET
“Credit-Card Debt Keeps Falling. Banks Are On Edge.” from The Wall Street Journal

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President Joe Biden loosened intellectual property restrictions on COVID-19 vaccines last week in an effort to slow the pandemic — which, reminder, is very much still going on. On today’s show, we’ll follow on that news a bit and talk about where the real money is made from those vaccines. Plus: The Food and Drug Administration says yes to vaccines for more teens, attorneys aeneral say no to an Instagram for kids, and America says “well … OK” to the return of Bennifer.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“States Urge Facebook to Abandon Plan for Children’s Instagram” from The Wall Street Journal
“Indian coronavirus mutation a ‘variant of concern’” from The New York Times
“Why Joe Biden Punched Big Pharma in the Nose Over Covid Vaccines” from Matt Stoller’s newsletter “Big”
Ben Affleck and J. Lo are on the same schedule as the cicadas

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In a typical month, 266,000 new jobs would be amazing. But April (and the 12 months before that) was not a typical month. Economists expected about a million, the labor market’s still in a deep hole and on balance, we expected women to get some of them. On today’s show we’ll take you behind the numbers, plus a little on Elon Musk’s autopilot problem and another round of our favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty.

“Tesla says totally self-driving cars likely aren’t happening in 2021” from CNET
“Five reasons for a self-driving car slowdown” from Marketplace Tech
Plus this thread by Motherboard’s Edward Ongweso Jr.
The April jobs report, table A-1
Our Half Full/Half Empty topics: Vaccine IP, Uber and Lyft backing away from self-driving, Twitter’s tip jar and “House of the Dragon”

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As the COVID-19 pandemic wears on, there’s been something of a global chip-demic brewing. And like the pandemic, a semiconductor shortage has knock-on effects you might not expect — like not enough rental cars to go around. How will this affect the pent-up demand for post-vaccination travel this summer? We’ll talk about it. Plus: Berkshire Hathaway gets Y2K’d, the Fed talks about “meme stocks” and condors make a mess.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Rental Companies Buy Up Used Cars as Chip Crisis Get Worse” from Bloomberg
“The Chip Shortage Keeps Getting Worse. Why Can’t We Just Make More?” also from Bloomberg
“Fed Says Covid Is Major Financial Risk, Asset Prices Vulnerable to ‘Significant Declines’” from The Wall Street Journal
“Meme Stocks and Archegos: Fed Calls Out Financial Weak Spots” from The New York Times
If you want to read the Fed’s Financial Stability Report yourself, here it is.
Berkshire Hathaway’s stock price
“Endangered California condors ‘absolutely trash’ woman’s house, won’t leave” from SFGate
You can see more photos on Seana Lyn’s Twitter thread

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We got that question from a listener and today, as Facebook’s own Oversight Board handed down a decision on banning Donald Trump, seemed like the right day to pick it apart. Along with the lexicon of dishonesty, we’ll answer your questions about record-high lumber prices and “green hydrogen.”

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Facebook’s Oversight Board upholds ban on Trump. At least for now.” from The Washington Post
“How to report responsibly on hacks and disinformation” (PDF) from Stanford University
“What part of a new house costs 4 times as much as a year ago? Lumber!” from “Marketplace”
“Lumber Prices Soar, But Logs Are Still Dirt Cheap” from Bloomberg
“President Biden says green hydrogen is key to a lower emissions future. So, what is it?” from “Marketplace Tech”

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A baby represents an investment in the future. Looking back at the last 15 months, you could understand why some people may not feel great about having one right now. But the causes and effects of a record-low birthrate stretch much further than the pandemic. On today’s show, Notre Dame economics professor Kasey Buckles will help us put the birthrate in context and unpack the immigration, climate and economic implications. Later in the show, listeners weigh in the death of the mall and the return of cruise ships, plus acting FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel answers the Make Me Smart Question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“U.S. Population Over Last Decade Grew at Slowest Rate Since 1930s” from The New York Times
“Half a million fewer children? The coming COVID baby bust” from the Brookings Institution
“Frequently Requested Statistics on Immigrants and Immigration in the United States” from the Migration Policy Institute
“World’s population is projected to nearly stop growing by the end of the century” from Pew Research Center
“Pfizer’s Covid vaccine revenues hit $3.5bn in first quarter” from the Financial Times
“Deutsche Bank NYC Staff to Work From Home Until at Least July” from Bloomberg
“Goldman Sachs just told its US staffers they need to be back in the office by June 14 in one of Wall Street’s earliest pushes to get employees back in person” from Insider
“How Basecamp blew up” from Platformer
Subscribe to Marketplace Tech to hear Molly’s three-part interview with acting FCC Chair Rosenworcel!

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The plant-based “meat” industry has been growing for a while — we did an episode about it in 2019. But now tastemaking websites and restaurants are starting to turn away from meat and seafood, and companies who have made their name in meat are embracing alternatives. Is the sun setting on the burger kingdom? We’ll talk about it. Plus: “The Fed” hits the small screen, Trump might be back on Facebook and the Gates marriage comes to an end.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Decision on Donald Trump’s Facebook Ban Is Coming on Wednesday. Here’s How It Will Work.” from the Wall Street Journal
“America’s Biggest Meat Company Gives Faux Burgers Another Shot” from Bloomberg
“The New Menu at Eleven Madison Park Will Be Meatless” from the New York Times
“The Planet on the Plate: Why Epicurious Left Beef Behind” from Epicurious
“Director’s cut of Prince blowing minds on ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’ now has more Prince” from the L.A. Times
“Mike Schur-Shea Serrano Comedy Among Shows on Amazon’s IMDb TV Development Slate” from Variety

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You might not care about the company Basecamp or use its software, but you might care about the dust-up there. Employees are leaving en masse after the company banned “societal and political discussions” in the workplace. Today, we’ll wade into the controversy and try to come out smarter. Plus, another round of our favorite Friday game, Half-Full/Half-Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Google’s Plan for the Future of Work: Privacy Robots and Balloon Walls” from The New York Times
“Breaking camp” from The Verge
“Basecamp implodes as employees flee company, including senior staff” some follow-up from The Verge
“McConnell wants ‘1619 Project’ removed from federal grant programs” from The Hill
Listen to the “1619” podcast here
Our episode on nuclear power
And our Half-Full/Half-Empty topics: meme NFTs, carbon capture, cruise ships, vaccine vacation crunch and the App Store

Thanks to everyone who watched and participated in our happy hour livestream! Join us on YouTube each Friday at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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Molly calls it fight-or-flight wearing off. Kai calls it rubber-band syndrome. It’s that special kind of burnout where you’ve been working so hard for so long, keeping it all together, that the second you take a breath, you’re instantly knocked on your butt. We know we’re not the only ones feeling that way — CVS is offering in-store therapy now! — and it might get worse before it gets better, so today we’re gonna talk about it. Plus: Amazon’s “oil company money,” Rice Krispies Treats and T-Pain’s DMs.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“CVS To Offer In-Store Mental Health Counseling” from NPR
This study from the company Hibob
“Twitter’s revenue jumps 28 percent in its first post-Trump quarter” from The New York Times
“Facebook revenue rises 48%, driven by higher-priced ads” from CNBC
“Amazon’s Profit Run Continues, Bolstered by Sustained Demand” from The Wall Street Journal
“Biden’s Economic Plan Would Redistribute Trillions and Expand Government” also from The Wall Street Journal
“Rice Krispies Treats Remixed: Pro Tips and Recipes” from — get this — The Wall Street Journal
“T-Pain Revealed That He’s Accidentally Been Ignoring Some Celebs For Over Two Years In A Hilarious TikTok” from BuzzFeed

Join us on YouTube Friday at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern for our live happy hour episode! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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Homeland Security extended the real ID deadline this week, and one listener asked why this kind of identification is even a thing. Molly and Kai discuss. Plus: Will companies start requiring their employees to get vaccinations? And explainers about the financial press’ interest in company earnings and what the “Overton window” has to do with reparations.

What we talked about today:

The latest pandemic fault line: bills to ban employers from requiring vaccination from Marketplace
California’s massive UC and Cal State systems plan to require COVID-19 vaccinations this fall, from The Los Angeles Times
The Real ID Act Raises Privacy issues, from NPR
How an Obscure Conservative Theory Became the Trump Era’s Go-to Nerd Phrase from Politico

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For more than a year we’ve been ensconced in our homes, but that doesn’t mean we have a lot of privacy. In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic has entrenched the yearslong erosion of our privacy, according to Harvard professor emeritus Shoshana Zuboff. Powerful tech companies were already doing big business with our data. Now they’re providing the tools essential for school, work, even getting the vaccine. But Zuboff says there’s a reason to hopeful: Living online has sharply increased public concern about data privacy and lawmakers’ appetite for regulating big tech.

Here’s what we talked about today:

“The year we gave up on privacy” from Recode
“Everything you need to know about vaccine passports” also from Recode
“Pharmacies score customer data in vaccine effort. Some are crying foul.” from Politico
“Biden seeks $80 billion to boost IRS enforcement” from CNN
“Google Promised Its Contact Tracing App Was Completely Private—But It Wasn’t” from The Markup

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Twitter is full of conversation starters. Most of them are bad, but today we hit on a thread that really did make us think. It’s all about the why, if not the how, of banning cryptocurrency for the sake of the environment. On today’s show, we’ll pick it apart a bit. Plus: Facebook vs. Apple and Apple vs. podcasters. Oh, and some vaccine news to start us off.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“U.S. to Share AstraZeneca Covid-19 Vaccine Doses With World” from The Wall Street Journal
“U.S. Population Over Last Decade Grew at Slowest Rate Since 1930s” from The New York Times
“How Mark Zuckerberg and Apple’s CEO Became Foes” from The New York Times
This thread from @JoshuaACNewman and this one from @AlexandraErin.
“Someone deciphered the Ted Lasso shortbread recipe from Apple’s Spring Loaded event” from The Verge
“Russian man ‘trapped’ on Chinese reality TV show finally voted out” from The Straits Times

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Look at a well-heeled publication like the Financial Times today and you’ll see that investors are in “uproar” about President Joe Biden’s proposed capital gains tax hike on the superrich. Today we kindly — eh, maybe not-so-kindly — ask everyone to pump the brakes a bit. Plus: vaccine nationalism, D.C. statehood and much more on this jam-packed happy hour episode.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“U.S. defends restrictions on export of COVID-19 vaccine raw materials amid India’s request to lift ban” from the Hindu
“Some mass vaccination sites in U.S. close as demand begins to fall.” from The New York Times
“CDC, FDA lift pause on using J&J’s coronavirus vaccine, add safety warning” from CNN
“JPMorgan apologises for backing breakaway football Super League” from the Financial Times
“Investors in uproar over Biden’s proposed capital gains tax rise” from the Financial Times
The topics we covered in Half Full/Half Empty: tax credits for vaccine time off, D.C. statehood, Overtime Sports, U.S. gas emissions and LeVar Burton hosting “Jeopardy!”
Finally, here’s a link to join the fan-run Make Me Smart Discord server

Thanks to everyone who joined us on YouTube today! We’re live each Friday at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern for happy hour! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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Climate change is an existential risk to so much life on on this planet, but sometimes the bottom-line risks are more compelling to the people making the decisions. We hate to be so mercenary about this, but let’s talk about it. Plus, a reminder that the pandemic isn’t over, why you don’t humanize robots and the politicking around infrastructure and the debt.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Climate Change Could Cut World Economy by $23 Trillion in 2050, Insurance Giant Warns” from The New York Times
This thread about the Montana electric vehicle bill
“States introduce legislation to more than double EV registration fees” from the Associated Press
“Rising Trend of Punitive Fees on Electric Vehicles Won’t Dent State Highway Funding Shortfalls but Will Hurt Consumers” (PDF) from Consumer Reports
“India sets a global record for daily infections” from The New York Times
“GOP Senators Release Outline of $568 Billion Infrastructure Plan” from The Wall Street Journal
“Mars helicopter Ingenuity flies higher and longer on Red Planet in 2nd flight” from Space
Finally, photos of Greta Thunberg looking disappointed at world leaders. Happy Earth Day!

Join us on YouTube Friday at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern for our live happy hour episode! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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One of our listeners noticed that the Coinstar machine at her local grocery store is dealing in bitcoins now, and she’s wondering how that works. We’ll talk about the how and the why of bitcoin ATMs on this Whadda Ya Wanna Know Wednesday. Plus, more listener questions and comments about the restaurant business, cicadas and good ol’ fashioned stocks.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“As Diners Return, Restaurants Face a New Hurdle: Finding Workers” from The New York Times
“A labor shortage is forcing chains like Subway and Dunkin’ to cut hours, close dining rooms, and push employees to work harder than ever” from Insider
“Bitcoin ATMs are coming to a gas station near you” from Reuters
“What Happens to the Stock of a Company That Goes Bankrupt?” from Investopedia
“What Happens To My Stock When The Company Gets Acquired?” from Benzinga

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For nearly a decade, the Black Lives Matter movement has called attention to the everyday injustices Black Americans endure, helping to build understanding around issues from systemic racism in the criminal justice system to the racial wealth gap. Now Congress is starting to act. Today on “Make Me Smart,” we spoke with William A. Darity Jr. and A. Kirsten Mullen, co-authors of the book “From Here to Equality: Reparations for Black Americans in the Twenty-First Century,” about the federal government might amends for the harm inflicted on generations of Black citizens by discriminatory public policies. Darity and Mullen walked us through the history and laid out the central characteristics they believe a reparations plan should address.

Here are links to everything we talked about today:

“Black Reparations and the Racial Wealth Gap” from Brookings
“House Panel Advances Bill to Study Reparations in Historic Vote” from The New York Times
“Evanston approves housing grants as part of city’s local reparations program, believed to be first of its kind in the nation” from the Chicago Tribune
“Goldman Reveals Black Workforce Numbers for the First Time” from Bloomberg
“Dogecoin at $50 Billion Makes It Bigger Than Ford and Kraft” from Bloomberg
“What’s new with Percy the Mars rover?” from The Washington Post
“Americans overwhelmingly say marijuana should be legal for recreational or medical use” from Pew Research Center
“Dozen Megadonors Gave $3.4 Billion, One in Every 13 Dollars, Since 2009” from The New York Times

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The city of Oakland, California, announced a guaranteed income pilot program back in March, and now Mayor Eric Garcetti is proposing a similar plan in Los Angeles to combat poverty and aid the economic recovery. The idea of providing people living in poverty some level of basic income has been around for decades. If adopted, Los Angeles would be the biggest U.S. city to try out the policy. Plus, California is buying hotels to house the homeless, and NASA flew a helicopter on Mars!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Apple will reinstate Parler” from CNBC
“$1,000 A Month, No Strings Attached: Garcetti Proposes A Guaranteed Basic Income Pilot In Los Angeles” from LAist
“Oakland City Officials Announce Guaranteed Income Pilot Program” from NBC Bay Area
“One Way to Get People Off the Streets: Buy Hotels” from The New York Times
“After fully vaccinating a majority of its population, Israel no longer requires people to wear masks outdoors” from Business Insider
“NASA’s Mars Helicopter Completes First Flight on Another Planet” from The New York Times
“Meet Bearsun, the real-life teddy bear on a journey from Los Angeles to San Francisco” from CNN

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The White House is walking back its plan to keep the cap on refugees at the historic low set by the Trump administration. President Joe Biden had previously indicated he wanted to raise the limit from 15,000 to several times that, and after much backlash his press secretary now says a final number will be announced next month. On today’s show, we’ll talk about that policy and the administration’s first big stumble. Plus: Kai Ryssdal’s piping hot take on the boba shortage and another round of Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Biden administration may keep refugee cap at Trump’s level, though it says final number will come next month” from The Washington Post
“Another Unlikely Pandemic Shortage: Boba Tea” from The New York Times
“NASA selects SpaceX as its sole provider for a lunar lander” from Ars Technica
“Is shopping by livestream the next chapter of e-commerce?” from “Marketplace”
“California ‘Zoom town’ grapples with influx of remote workers” from “Marketplace”
“What drives corporations to sign — or not sign — a letter opposing voting restrictions?” from “Marketplace”
“March retail sales soar 9.8% thanks to relief payments” from Marketplace.org
“Dogecoin spikes 400% in a week, stoking fears of a cryptocurrency bubble” from CNBC
Three things supported by our departing media designer Ben Tolliday: Sabri Ben-Achour’s ceramics, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and the Downtown Women’s Center in Los Angeles. We’ll miss you Ben!

Thanks to everyone who joined us live on YouTube! Join us every Friday at 3:30 p.m. Pacific/6:30 p.m. Eastern for happy hour! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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When you do the numbers on how many people police killed in nonviolent incidents just last year — to say nothing of the video and testimony coming out of multiple American cities this week alone — you can’t come to any other conclusion. This is a broken system. Also on the docket today, with guest host Marielle Segarra: A third vaccine, dating in the pandemic, the U.S. Postal Service and the “denim cycle.”

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

Read Marielle’s work for Marketplace here
“U.S. Economy Ramps Up on Spending Surge, Hiring Gains” from The Wall Street Journal
“PepsiCo bets on vaccine-led reopenings for soda sales boost” from Reuters
“Over half of police-involved killings in 2020 began after non-violent incidents ” from Axios
“Pfizer CEO says third Covid vaccine dose likely needed within 12 months” from CNBC
“Stanford begins testing Pfizer vaccine in babies and young children” from Mercury News
“‘A win-win-win proposal’: Banking and booze could save the U.S. Postal Service, experts say” from NBC News
“Banking at the post office? Service would help millions of ‘unbanked’ Americans” from the Chicago Tribune opinion section

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As a follow-up to yesterday’s show about cryptocurrencies, one of our listeners wants to know if Coinbase, which went public today, is really a reliable way to buy and sell bitcoin and other blockchain-backed assets. We’ll try and answer without thinking too hard about the money Molly might have lost when another exchange got hacked. Plus, your questions about vaccine appointment bots, the fallout from the mess in the Suez Canal and Kai pulls back the curtain a bit on “Marketplace.”

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Revisit some old Marketplace reporting on Mt. Gox
“Meet the vaccine appointment bots, and their foes” from the Associated Press
“Egypt impounds Ever Given ship over $900 million Suez Canal compensation bill” from CNN
“Ever Given Customers Face New Payments to Get Shipments Moving” from The Wall Street Journal

Finally: We need your voice memos! Tell us what you think of the show or ask a question for Kai Ryssdal and Molly Wood to answer! Here’s how to do it.

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We talk to Gil Luria, the director of research at D.A. Davidson, about who wins and who loses in the mainstreaming of Bitcoin. Plus: Gil answers your questions about Bitcoin mining and the related math problems that are hard to get our heads around.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Molly’s interview with Gil: “Don’t look now, but Bitcoin is going mainstream,” from “Marketplace Tech”

The 2013 article referencing Gil’s first note about Bitcoin: “Bitcoin Could Be Worth 10-100x Current Price – Analyst,” from StreetInsider.com

“SPAC Boom Faces New SEC Threat With Accounting Crackdown” from Bloomberg

“Darius, ‘World’s Longest Rabbit,’ Is Missing” from The New York Times

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We’re going to get the latest year-over-year inflation data early tomorrow morning. It will, in all likelihood, be followed by some misleading headlines — remember what was happening a year ago? Today, we’ll tell you what to keep an eye on. Plus: Kai and Molly talk about Alibaba, fire season, Mars and rhinos to round out this catch-up, grab-bag episode.

Here’s what we talked about today:

“Ant Group Announces Overhaul as China Tightens Its Grip” from The New York Times
“Jack Ma’s Ant Group Bows to Beijing With Company Overhaul” from The Wall Street Journal
“‘This has never happened’: California’s only wildfire research center makes scary discovery” from SF Gate
“As Biden works to fix chips shortage, Intel promises help for hurting automakers” from Reuters
“Nepal’s Rhino Population Grows, Likely Boosted by Covid-19 Closures” from The Wall Street Journal
“NASA’s Mars helicopter gets ready to make history” from National Geographic

Finally: We need your voice memos! Tell us what you think of the show or ask a question for Kai Ryssdal and Molly Wood to answer! Here’s how to do it.

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Guest host Scott Tong brought a truly wild story to this grab-bag Friday episode. Coca-Cola is accusing a former employee of stealing trade secrets — not the formula for what goes in the can, but the can itself. We’ll talk about it, some other weird trade secrets and, oh yeah, a 3,000-year-old lost city in Egypt. Plus, another round of our favorite game, “Half Full/Half Empty.”

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Coca-Cola trade secret theft underscores importance of insider threat early detection” from CSO
“Former Coke Scientist Accused of Stealing Trade Secrets for Chinese Venture” from The Wall Street Journal
Plus more trade secrets involving Oreos, popcorn and Hooters.
“A 3,000-year-old ‘lost golden city’ has been unearthed in Egypt” from The Washington Post
Plus, some bonus dollar store content
“Can businesses deny you entry if you don’t have a vaccine passport?” from “Marketplace”
“COVID vaccines at Dollar General would boost access for low-income populations, study says” from “Marketplace Morning Report”
“What if gig workers could train the algorithms that determine their pay?” from “Marketplace Tech”
“Why it’s so hard to strike a deal on a global corporate tax” from “Marketplace”
“Kim Kardashian West Is Officially A Billionaire” from Forbes

Thanks to everyone who joined us live on YouTube for happy hour today! We’re live each Friday at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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You can stop cleaning your groceries now. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention affirmed this week what scientists have known for months: COVID-19 is spread primarily through the air, and everyone can tone it down with the wipes and disinfecting sprays. But what could individuals and businesses have been doing while the CDC waited to let us know? Kimberly Adams and Meghan McCarty Carino talk about it, along with the latest disturbing testimony in Derek Chauvin’s trial. But we’re not all hollowed out today. We’ll also chat about LeVar Burton, “Jeopardy!” and anime for Anglophiles.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Chauvin trial: Breathing experts pinpoints moment when ‘the light goes out of his body’” from MPR News
“Expert: ‘That’s the moment the life goes out of his body:’ Derek Chauvin kept knee on neck for 3½ minutes after George Floyd drew last breath” from the Star Tribune
“‘Awful but Lawful’” by Charles M. Blow in The New York Times
“Has the Era of Overzealous Cleaning Finally Come to an End?” from The New York Times
“‘Reading Rainbow’s’ LeVar Burton wants to host ‘Jeopardy!’ — and fans have created a petition to get him there” from CBS News
“Top 10 Anime Set in England” from Honey’s Anime, plus this listener rec

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Even before COVID-19, there was a housing crisis in much of this country. Now, cities like San Francisco have millions of square feet of empty office space and a persistent housing shortage. One of our listeners wants to know: Why can’t one problem be the other’s solution? We’ll talk about it. Plus, the economic cost of racism against Asian Americans, the changing cosmetics industry and a whole bunch of TV recs.

Here are links to everything we talked about today:

“Following pandemic, converting office buildings into housing may become new ‘normal’” from the Washington Post
“S.F. has nearly 16 million square feet of vacant office space. Why can’t it become housing?” from the San Francisco Chronicle
“Asian American businesses are defending themselves against rise in anti-Asian violence” from the Washington Post
“How has the economy changed over the past year, in 8 charts” from Marketplace
“What is makeup for during a pandemic?” also from Marketplace
“How the beauty industry is surviving the pandemic” from Vox
Kimberly’s abridged anime list: “Demon Slayer,” “Golden Kamuy,” “The Promised Neverland,” “My Hero Academia,” “Black Clover,” “Fruits Basket,” “Darwin’s Game,” “Horimiya,” “Inuyasha,” “Dr. Stone” and “Cells at Work.”

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Don’t call it a border crisis. What’s happening at the U.S.-Mexico border — a greater number of migrants, especially unaccompanied minors, with an administration unprepared to process and shelter them all — was actually pretty predictable, said “Reveal” immigration reporter Aura Bogado. On today’s show, Kimberly Adams and Andy Uhler talk with Bogado about what’s changed between administrations and what hasn’t, and the larger economic and climate forces driving the migration each year.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

You can find all of Bogado’s work for “Reveal” here
“Record number of unaccompanied children crossed the border in March” from NBC News
“Biden administration allows media inside Texas border tents packed with minors” from The Washington Post
“Family groups crossing border in soaring numbers point to next phase of crisis” also from The Washington Post
“Senate Democrats can now officially pass more bills with 51 votes” from Vox
“U.S. Treasury’s Yellen vows to work with international climate finance ministers group” from Reuters
“Everything You Need to Stock an Alcohol-Free Home Bar, According to Bartenders” from Eater

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With your regular hosts on spring break this week, Kimberly Adams is joined by Marketplace workplace culture reporter Meghan McCarty-Carino to talk all things Amazon. The Bessemer, Alabama, union vote isn’t the only labor issue facing the nation’s second-largest private employer. Plus: The changing face of vaccine hesitancy, cicada season and First Contact Day.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Amazon’s Clashes With Labor: Days of Conflict and Control” from The New York Times
“Amazon Illegally Fired Activist Workers, Labor Board Finds” also from The New York Times
“Vaccine skepticism runs deep among white evangelicals in US” from the Associated Press
Some “Star Trek” content for First Contact Day
“The Biggest Party of 2021 Is About to Start” from The Atlantic

Finally: We need your voice memos! Tell us what you think of the show or ask a question for Kai Ryssdal and Molly Wood to answer! Here’s how to do it.

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Yes, it’s the predictable sequel to yesterday’s discussion about corporate America and Georgia lawmakers. This time, we’re talking about Major League Baseball’s decision to move the All-Star Game, the reaction from politicians on both sides of the aisle and MLB’s carveouts from federal law. Plus, we play another round of “Half Full/Half Empty,” with more sports talk and more blockbuster showdowns.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Japan’s Kyoto cherry blossoms peak on earliest date in 1,200 years, a sign of climate change” from The Washington Post
“MLB moves All-Star Game from Georgia over new voting law” from Politico
This issue of Heather Cox Richardson’s newsletter “Letters from an American”
“‘They can do what they want’: Archegos and the $6tn world of the family office” from the Financial Times
For more on the MLB’s exemptions from federal law, check out our podcast “The Uncertain Hour”
“NFL moves to 17-game regular season in 2021: What it means for teams, players, revenue and fans” from ESPN
“Student-athlete compensation in focus at Supreme Court” from Marketplace
“Apple is investing in a company that lets musicians own their work” from Marketplace
“Biden wants to nearly double U.S. spending on science” from Marketplace
“‘Godzilla Vs. Kong’ Fires Up $16.3M In First Two Days” from Deadline

Thanks to everyone who joined us live on YouTube today! We go live each Friday at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern for our happy hour episode! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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The PR flap over Georgia’s new voting law gives us an interesting look at something we talk about a lot: The promise and peril of corporations acting as a check on the government. Or at least, it’s an object lesson in why companies are not your friend and — news flash — some politicians are hypocrites. Also on the docket today: Is Miami really all that great?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“What a Pepsi can says about the GOP’s rift with corporate Atlanta” from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Georgia House threatens Delta tax break after CEO slammed new voting restrictions” from CNN
“Corporate mind-meld on Biden plan” from Politico
Meet Abdallah “Shehta” Abdel Gawad!
An LA Times Business editor on VCs pushing “certain cities”

Join us on YouTube Friday at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern for our live happy hour episode! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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Investment firms managing private wealth don’t have to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are responsible for some $6 trillion. The collapse of Archegos Capital has one of our listeners worried about the economic ripple effects. We’ll talk about it. Plus, more listener questions about Modern Monetary Theory and the Suez Canal fallout.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Suez Canal reopens after stuck cargo ship is freed” from the Associated Press
“Who pays for Suez blockage? Ever Given grounding could spark years of litigation” from The Guardian
“Why Archegos Capital was in U.S. regulators’ blind spot” from Reuters
“Senate Banking Committee Chair Brown urges regulators to take a ‘closer look’ at Archegos meltdown” from CNBC
Our episode on Modern Monetary Theory
“Biden’s $1.9-trillion big spend is a big bet on modern economic theory” by Virginia Heffernan in the Los Angeles Times
“Home prices have been rising at fastest clip in 15 years” from Marketplace

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It’s been 40 years since President Ronald Reagan said, “Government is not the solution to the problem, government is the problem.” Now we’re in a new crisis, with plenty of data on the “trickle-up” consequences of trickle-down economics and a $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill. Reagan had “Morning in America,” Joe Biden has “Infrastructure Week.” On today’s show, we’ll talk with political economist Mark Blyth about how Reaganomics was supposed to work, its ripple effects on Democrats and whether the era of “the era of big government is over” is … over.

Here are links to everything we talked about on the show today:

“Bidenomics beats Reaganomics and I should know – I saw Clintonomics fail” from previous Marketplace contributor Robert Reich in the Guardian
“2020 Was the Year Reaganism Died” by Paul Krugman in The New York Times
“Biden is planning for a Great Society 2.0” by James Hohmann in the Washington Post
“JPMorgan, Salesforce Join Growing List of Firms Dumping Office Space” from The Wall Street Journal
“US 10-year Treasury yield hits highest level since January last year” from Financial Times
“PayPal launches crypto checkout service” from Reuters
“Visa moves to allow payment settlements using cryptocurrency” also from Reuters
“How America’s ‘First Female Cryptanalyst’ Cracked the Code of Nazi Spies in World War II—and Never Lived to See the Credit” from Time magazine
Finally, listen to Molly’s interview with Make Me Smart Question answerer Aniyia Williams.

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With the end of the pandemic maybe (maybe!) in sight, Kai and Molly are contemplating what their work lives have gained and lost in the past year. If COVID-19 had been brought under control in three to six months, would a return to, say, commuting feel as scary? Plus: Now that the Ever Given has been dislodged from the Suez Canal, it’s time to talk about the economic conditions that landed us here.

Here are links to everything we talked about today:

“Remote Work Is Here to Stay. Manhattan May Never Be the Same.” from the New York Times
istheboatstillstuck.com/
“What Can We Learn from a Big Boat Stuck in a Canal?” from Big by Matt Stoller
“Too big to sail? The debate over huge container ships” from Financial Times
“Mashhour is number 1!”

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Big Tech is. Facebook, Google and other companies armed with the data to look ahead on this pandemic are slowly but surely bringing employees back in. On today’s show, Molly and Kai contemplate sitting in traffic once again. Plus, we go “Half Full/Half Empty” on inflation, movie theaters, “Peepsi” and much more on this Friday grab-bag episode.

Here are links to everything we talked about today:

“Europe warns hospitals at ‘breaking point’ as third Covid wave hits” from Financial Times
“America’s Obsession With Wipes Is Tearing Up Sewer Systems” from Bloomberg
“Startups Axios and the Athletic Discuss Merger, Consider SPAC Deal” from The Wall Street Journal
“Facebook sets reopening date for S.F., Bay Area offices, with no free food and no transit” from the San Francisco Chronicle
“WeWork agrees to go public through a SPAC deal with BowX Acquisition” from CNBC
“Big tech CEOs face lawmakers in House hearing on social media’s role in extremism, misinformation” from The Washington Post
“Amazon keeps trying to troll US Congress members in perplexing new PR strategy” from the Verge
“Prince Harry is now a chief impact officer. What does that actually mean?” from Marketplace
“Movie theaters reopen without their biggest moneymaker: snacks” from Marketplace
“Fed Chair: Rise in inflation not ‘particularly large’ from $1.9 trillion rescue package” from Marketplace
“The Suez Canal block could hit ‘downstream’ manufacturers the hardest” from Marketplace
“Ok, Sure, But Why Wasn’t It Named ‘Peepsi’” from Refinery29
More big boat content

Thanks to everyone who joined us for our live happy hour on YouTube today! We go live every Friday at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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What can we say? Like many people, we simply can’t look away from the big honkin’ ship that’s stuck in the Suez Canal. Today, we’ll talk about the scale of that traffic jam, the many container ships that are resorting to taking the long way around Africa and Defector’s children’s book treatment of the story. Plus: Alan Turing on currency, the continued erosion of cash bail in California and some great news about our kids podcast “Million Bazillion.”

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Suez Canal blockage is delaying an estimated $400 million an hour in goods” from CNBC
Evergreen, the company who owns the ship blocking the canal, is now diverting its other barges
“California will expand vaccine eligibility to all adults April 15” from Politico
“An Asian woman, attacked in San Francisco, is donating nearly $1 million to fight racism” from the LA Times
“‘Gigantic momentous decision’: California Supreme Court shrinks role of cash bail in jailings” from the Mercury News
“‘The great lie at the heart of the criminal justice system‘” from Make Me Smart
“‘It captures so much of Turing’s work’: Bank of England unveils new £50 note” from the Guardian
“Oh No! Big Boat Is Stuck” from Defector

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We already know the “what” of nonfungible tokens: They’re blockchain-backed digital media, bought and sold for a shocking amount of money while pumping an even more shocking amount of carbon into the atmosphere. What one of our listeners wants to know is the “why.” We’ll talk about it. Plus, listener questions about hot chicken, the national debt and the mess at the Suez Canal.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“Suez Canal blocked by traffic jam after massive container ship runs aground” from CNN
“Photos and maps show how an enormous container ship got stuck in the Suez Canal, blocking one of the world’s most vital shipping routes” from Insider
“Why are people spending so much money on NFTs?” from Marketplace
“NFTs Are a Pyramid Scheme and People Are Already Losing Money” from FStoppers
“Mounting federal debt puts the U.S. at risk of a fiscal crisis, Congressional Budget Office warns.” from The New York Times
“On the bright side, 2020 was the year of Nashville hot chicken sandwiches in O.C.” from the LA Times
“LA’s lost hot chicken history” from Eater

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New research shows that the top 1% of Americans underreport their income by more than 20%, and the government could raise trillions more over time by collecting on it. No hikes — just enforcing the tax code as it stands. On today’s show, we’re diving into the tax gap. Samantha Jacoby of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities walks us through how the wealthiest Americans hide their money, the incentive structures that got us to this point and why 2021 is a great year to start addressing the problem.

Here are links to everything we talked about on the show today:

“High-Income Tax Avoidance Far Larger Than Thought, New Paper Estimates” from The Wall Street Journal
“How Biden Funds His Next Bill: Shrink the $7.5 Trillion Tax Gap” from former Make Me Smart guest Chye-Ching Huang in The New York Times
“How to Collect $1.4 Trillion in Unpaid Taxes” from The New York Times editorial board
“Biden Team Prepares $3 Trillion in New Spending for the Economy” from The New York Times
“An Unusually Optimistic Conversation With Bernie Sanders” from The New York Times
“The High Cost of Georgia’s Restrictive Voting Bills” from the New Yorker

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With 127 million “jabs” administered in America so far, and more manufacturers on their way to FDA approval, the market for vaccines is about to change very quickly. What happens to the holdouts? We’ll talk about it. But first, a bit of news on Facebook and online privacy. Plus a new tool to get out of your Zoom meetings.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“U.S. Supreme Court rebuffs Facebook appeal in user tracking lawsuit” from Reuters
“The US is about to reach a surprise milestone: too many vaccines, not enough takers” from MIT Technology Review
“Congress passes bill to allow VA to vaccinate all vets, spouses, caregivers” from Stars and Stripes
“How Much Weight Did We Gain During Lockdowns? 2 Pounds a Month, Study Hints” from The New York Times
“Zoom Escaper lets you sabotage your own meetings with audio problems, crying babies, and more” from The Verge

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We’ll start out this episode talking about the viral video of the, let’s say, different facilities for men and women inside the March Madness bubble, and quickly take the 30,000 foot view. Plus, the pot crackdown in the Biden White House and another round of Half Full/Half Empty.

Here are links to everything we talked about today:

“Biden White House Sandbags Staffers, Sidelines Dozens for Pot Use” from Politico

“NCAA vows to improve conditions at women’s basketball tournament, as outcry continues” from The Washington Post

“NCAA president Mark Emmert says no risk difference between men’s, women’s COVID-19 tests” from USA Today

“House votes to reauthorize Violence Against Women Act” from CBS News

“IRS will delay tax filing due date until May 17” from Associated Press

“Uber to give U.K. drivers minimum wage, retirement plan and more” from “Marketplace Morning Report”

“Amazon says it will offer employers telemedicine services” from “Marketplace Morning Report”

“Toys R Us, under new ownership, plans to open stores” from “Marketplace Morning Report”

“Next on Democrats’ agenda, a “holistic” infrastructure bill” from “Marketplace”

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We’re learning all about “pandemic trauma and stress experience” today, and why it’s a good reason to cancel your plans and rest a bit. But first, we’ll talk about the giant corporations trying to hold one another accountable, and Kai gets a lesson in British phraseology.

Here’s a list of what we talked about today:

“NBC breaks silence on Golden Globes controversy, acknowledging its role in ‘necessary changes’” from the LA Times

“NAACP to NFL: Don’t ‘fund Fox News’ hatred, bigotry, lies and racism‘” from USA Today

“Biden plans to send COVID shots to Mexico, Canada” from the Associated Press

“It’s not just you: Why everyone is super exhausted right now” from Salon

Join us on YouTube Friday at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern for our live happy hour episode! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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Stimulus payments are hitting bank accounts all over the country. Before they go out and spend that stimmy, one listener is wondering where the money for those $1,400 checks came from. We’ll explain, plus talk about the inflationary implications. Plus: a crash course on Big Tech antitrust and leprechaun traps.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“U.S. bond auction will test if yields are high enough to attract buyers” from Marketplace
“If Google’s a monopoly, who is harmed by its market power?” from the Associated Press
“Who is Google’s market power hurting?” from The Verge
“Life after the vaccine in Israel” from The Daily
“How to make a leprechaun trap for St. Patrick’s Day” from IrishCentral

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About 10% of the American workforce belonged to a union in 2020. That’s way down from about a third in 1970, but unions are making gains lately — and not where you might expect. Workers in Big Tech, media and other “knowledge workers” are organizing, along with people in jobs that didn’t exist 50 years ago, like Amazon warehouse workers. On today’s show, we’ll talk with Lane Windham, associate director of the Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor at Georgetown University, about this new wave of labor organizing, what it means for blue-collar work and what comes next with President Joe Biden in the White House.

Here are links to everything we talked about on the show today:

“Unions take on Amazon and Alphabet. Big tech watch out” from the Economist
“Labor movement targets Amazon as a foothold in the South” from the Associated Press
“The PRO Act may protect workers even if it doesn’t pass” from Marketplace
“The government’s lawyers saw a Google monopoly coming. Their bosses refused to sue.” from Politico
“Xi Warns Against Tech Excess in Sign Crackdown Will Widen” from Bloomberg

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Show of hands: Who’s still cleaning off their groceries? As the COVID-19 pandemic has worn on, experts have developed a better understanding of the disease, the way it spreads and how to treat it. But when the science is fluid and the government response is patchy, a lot can get lost in translation. That’s what we’re talking about today. But first: law enforcement, Big Tech and the Proud Boys.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Tech spent years fighting foreign terrorists. Then came the Capitol riot.” from Protocol
“Police Shrugged Off the Proud Boys, Until They Attacked the Capitol” from The New York Times
“A new study suggests 3 feet, not 6 feet, is sufficient distance for school students, with mask-wearing and other safety measures kept in place.” also from The New York Times
“Peter Thiel is making the biggest political bet of his life” from Vox
Whither Gen X?
Tiffany Haddish learning she won a Grammy

Finally, we’re raising money for a new season of Marketplace’s kids podcast, “Million Bazillion.” Donate today and your contribution will be matched dollar for dollar!

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We’re revisiting a forgotten Ronald Reagan speech on today’s show. As President Biden’s new COVID-19 relief bill rolls out, Reagan’s 1966 “The Myth of the Great Society” speech is making Kai think some big thoughts on government programs and time. Plus, we talk about Netflix password-sharing, virtual conferences and Reese’s all-peanut-butter cups in another round of “Half Full/Half Empty.”

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Google Says Microsoft’s Stance on News Is Effort to Distract From Hack” from The Wall Street Journal
“Microsoft, Google trade barbs during congressional hearing on news industry” from CNET
Reagan’s “The Myth of the Great Society” speech
“Is a virtual SXSW worth the price of admission?” from Marketplace
“Netflix is checking up on password sharing practices” also from Marketplace
“Roblox goes public and is instantly worth more than $45 billion” from CNN
“Reese’s New Peanut Butter Cup Is (Almost) All Peanut Butter” from The New York Times

Thanks to everyone who joined us live on YouTube today! We go live every Friday at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern. Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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How else to think about a massive company that knows its products cause harm but can’t do anything about it without undercutting its business interests (not to mention the addiction factor)? Today, we’ll talk about the parallels between Facebook’s AI and Big Tobacco. Plus: Kai and Molly in spaaaace!

Here are links to everything we talked about today:

“Massive camera hack exposes the growing reach and intimacy of American surveillance” from The Washington Post
“How Facebook got addicted to spreading misinformation” from MIT Technology Review
“The Pentagon condemns Tucker Carlson’s sexist remarks about women in the military” from the New York Times, plus one vet’s experience
Infrastructure week actually yielded a bill? (PDF)

Join us live on YouTube Friday at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern for our live happy hour episode! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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With so many high-profile data breaches in the news — Solar Winds wasn’t that long ago, neither were the settlements for Equifax — it can be hard to know how concerned to get, and easy to sort of numb out until it directly affects you. Today, we’ll sort through all that and answer listener questions about the child tax credit, container ships and more.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Microsoft was warned months ago — now, the Hafnium hack has grown to gigantic proportions” from The Verge
“Four new hacking groups have joined an ongoing offensive against Microsoft’s email servers” from Technology Review
“L.A.’s latest traffic jam: Dozens of container ships waiting to be unloaded” from Marketplace
“Exporters Take Unusual Steps to Ease Container Shortage” from Bloomberg
“Costco is running out of some cheese. The reason why is complicated” from CNN

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We don’t need to tell you America has a child care problem. Many of you can feel it. We certainly can; one of our producers changed a diaper during today’s taping. The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown this problem into sharp relief — women’s workforce participation rate is at a 30-year low — but it’s not new. On today’s show, University of Maryland professor emerita Sonya Michel talks about the history of government-sponsored child care in this country, its economic benefits and whether the new, $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill could actually bring about long-term solutions.

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We talked a bit last month about the Pentagon slow-walking some promotions of female generals over fears then-President Donald Trump would quash them. Now, President Joe Biden appears poised to place women on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. On this, International Women’s Day, we’ll talk about it. But first: More on vaccine misinformation and the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, plus the best New York-style bagels in America.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“‘Russia is up to its old tricks’: Biden battling COVID-19 vaccine disinformation campaign” from USA Today
“Russian Disinformation Campaign Aims to Undermine Confidence in Pfizer, Other Covid-19 Vaccines, U.S. Officials Say” from The Wall Street Journal
“Vaccinated Americans may gather indoors in small groups but should still wear masks in public, the C.D.C. says” from The New York Times
“Biden Nominates Two Women To Lead Combatant Commands” from Defense One
“MacKenzie Scott Married a Nice Science Teacher” from The Cut
“The Best Bagels Are in California (Sorry, New York)” from The New York Times

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California theme parks and sports stadiums could reopen with limited attendance as early as next month. Between that and the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine, is it too early to let ourselves get excited for baseball season and a trip to Disneyland? We’ll discuss. But first, a bit more on Johnson & Johnson hesitancy and an update on the Texas power grid situation. Plus, as always, another round of Half Full/Half Empty.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Texas Opts Not to Fix $16 Billion Power Overcharge” from The Wall Street Journal
“Detroit mayor declines Johnson & Johnson allotment, saying the other vaccines are better” from CNN
“Pressure grows on Biden to end the filibuster” from The Washington Post
“When Amazon Raises Its Minimum Wage, Local Companies Follow Suit” from The New York Times
“California theme parks, stadiums can reopen as soon as April 1 under revamped COVID-19 rules” from the Los Angeles Times
“GameStop: The movie. And the TV show. And the documentary …” from “Marketplace”
“You can now own “authenticated” digital artwork. Is that a good thing?” from “Marketplace Morning Report”
“Why are people spending so much money on NFTs?” from “Marketplace”
“Survey finds that the reported exodus of tech companies from San Francisco’s Bay Area is ‘greatly exaggerated’” from Insider
“Cadbury Creme Eggs Now Come in Beer Form” from Food & Wine

Thanks to everyone who joined us today for Economics on Tap, our live happy hour on YouTube. We do it every Friday at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern. Subscribe to our channel and turn on notifications so you don’t miss the next one.

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There’s a new COVID-19 vaccine rolling out, from Johnson & Johnson. Maybe you’ve heard it’s less effective than the two-shot regimens from Pfizer and Moderna. That’s technically true, but there’s more to that number. Today we’ll spend a little time talking about what you should worry about and what you shouldn’t about the vaccines. Plus: the results of a long experiment in universal basic income.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“The Latest Case of Vaccine Alarmism” from The New York Times

“In the Atlantic Ocean, Subtle Shifts Hint at Dramatic Dangers” also from The New York Times

“After third large quake near New Zealand, tsunami concerns from South Pacific to Central America” from The Washington Post

“In Iceland, 18,000 Earthquakes Over Days Signal Possible Eruption on the Horizon” from The New York Times

“Stockton’s Basic-Income Experiment Pays Off” from The Atlantic

“Mothers Are Regaining Jobs, Even While Shouldering Pandemic Burdens at Home” from The New York Times

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You have to answer that one for yourself. But as the streaming market gets even more crowded with Paramount+ arriving tomorrow, we have a listener who wants to know what will happen to Netflix — how long does the first-mover advantage last? Plus, your questions about the COVID relief bill, consumer spending and electric cars.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:

“What’s in the House’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus plan” from The Washington Post

“Senate Democrats still finishing their Covid relief bill as vote timing creeps toward the weekend” from CNN

“Auto industry wants more government support for electric vehicles” from CNBC

“We’re buying a lot more stuff these days” from Marketplace

“Netflix broke subscriber records in 2020. Will it slow down?” from the LA Times

Join us live on YouTube Friday at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern for our live happy hour episode! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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If current labor trends hold, the company of the future won’t have any employees outside of the C-suite. That’s the focus of our documentary podcast “The Uncertain Hour.” This season is about jobs and how the idea of “employment” as we once knew it is disappearing, replaced by temp, subcontracted or gig workers. But what made companies fall out of love with employees? Producer Peter Balonon-Rosen is here to talk us though it.

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For a year now, the national pastime has been baking bread, watching Netflix and muting/unmuting in Zoom. If you’re lucky, anyway. The major sports teams would tell you they’re a balm in “these unprecedented times” but the numbers don’t really bear that out. On today’s show, we’ll talk about the interesting Jemele Hill piece in The Atlantic, “America Didn’t Need Sports After All.” Plus: When does a cyberattack become a war crime?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

Some COVID death analysis on the TL

“America didn’t need sports after all” from The Atlantic

“China Appears to Warn India: Push Too Hard and the Lights Could Go Out” from The New York Times

“Biden works to unify Senate Democrats on $1.9 trillion relief bill” from The Washington Post

“First vaccine to fully immunize against malaria builds on pandemic-driven RNA tech” from the Academic Times

Social studies and civics education guidance from The Washington Post

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After watching some of the news out of CPAC, the Conservative Political Action Conference, Kai Ryssdal thinks he has a pretty good idea of where the Republican Party and the U.S. government are headed in the next few years. Today, we’ll kick the tires on that prediction and talk a bit more about the SEC and Elon Musk. The “S” stands for “stonks.” Plus, like we do every Friday, a round of “Half Full/Half Empty.”

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“3 key takeaways from Friday’s CPAC event: Speakers stand behind Trump” from ABC News

“U.S. SEC suspends trading in 15 securities due to ‘questionable’ social media activity” from Reuters

Some other “questionable activity”

“Fed and Treasury chart path back to ‘full employment’” from “Marketplace”

“California can enforce its net neutrality law, judge rules” from “Marketplace Morning Report”

“Wearable tech shows promise for early COVID-19 detection” from “Marketplace”

“Twitter announces paid Super Follows to let you charge for tweets” from The Verge

Thanks to everyone who joined us live on YouTube! We tape our Friday episode there every week at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern. Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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As the Senate pulls the minimum wage hike out of the COVID-19 relief bill (a ruling that came down just after we taped), let’s talk about two very different pay stories. First, Costco says it will pay employees at least $16 an hour— how long before the market laps Congress? Then, former CEO Adam Neumann — remember him? — is still getting paid off of the mess at WeWork. It’s bananapants, folks. Plus: Dunkin’ is getting avocado toast, because apparently it’s 2015, and TikTok had deepfake Tom Cruise, because apparently it’s 2115.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Costco raises minimum wage for employees to $16 an hour” from NPR

“WeWork’s Adam Neumann to Get Extra $50 Million Payout in SoftBank Settlement” from The Wall Street Journal

“Dunkin’ just added avocado toast to its menu — about 5 years after the trend peaked” from Insider

Tom Cruise deepfakes

“The joy of vax: The people giving the shots are seeing hope, and it’s contagious” from The Washington Post

Our recent episode on the economic effects of a $15 minimum wage

Join us live on YouTube Friday at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern for our live happy hour episode! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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Texans are being hit with massive electric bills after last week’s winter storm knocked out much of the state’s grid, which is primarily powered by natural gas. You might not know that many of the data centers mining for cryptocurrency in this country also run on natural gas. On today’s Whadda Ya Wanna Know Wednesday, we’re digging into Texas’ unregulated energy market and Bitcoin’s carbon footprint. Plus your questions about stock trading and stonktails.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Can Texans protect themselves from their sky-high energy bills?” from Marketplace

“Texas Electric Bills Were $28 Billion Higher Under Deregulation” from The Wall Street Journal

“GameStop Mania Highlights Shift to Dark Trading” from The Wall Street Journal

“Tesla’s $1.5 billion bitcoin purchase clashes with its environmental aspirations” from The Verge

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on her Bitcoin doubts

A couple pieces on Bitcoin and natural gas

“We try your “GameStonk”-inspired cocktails” from “Make Me Smart”

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Millions of Texans spent last week without power, boiling water, dealing with burst pipes and collapsed roofs as a “once-in-a-lifetime” winter storm battered the state and infrastructure failed. Climate change is an existential crisis, and it’s already at our doorstep. And for all the money that’s gone toward trying to slow down or reverse that change, relatively little has gone toward adapting to it. On today’s show, we’ll hear from our reporter Andy Uhler and Jay Koh, who runs a private equity firm focused on climate adaptation.

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It’s not the absolute worst worst-case, but 500,000 dead from COVID-19 is more than what some experts painted as the worst-case scenario back when the pandemic started, and about a third of the way to the death toll if the country had taken no action at all. Today, we’ll do the numbers. Plus: The bond market gains and NASA’s new Martian probe.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“US surpasses 500,000 COVID deaths” from USA Today

Some looks at COVID modeling from The New York Times and New York Magazine

President Biden’s moment of silence at the White House today

“Technology Stocks Drop Amid Rising Bond Yields” from the Wall Street Journal

Zoom etiquette

“Watch new dramatic videos from NASA’s Perseverance rover landing on Mars” from The Verge

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During the GameStop brouhaha, we asked you to send us your stonks-inspired cocktail recipes, and you delivered. In true Economics on Tap style, guest host Kimberly Adams taste tested a few. Plus, a tidbit about the minimum wage tucked into the big economic relief bill, and voters may have gone to the polls in records number in 2020, but now lots of states are considering restricting voting access. We end the show with our favorite game, “Half Full/Half Empty.”

Here are links to everything we talked about today:

“American Rescue Plan Act of 2021“
“Voting Laws Roundup: February 2021” from the Brennan Center for Justice
“Census data delay adds to voting advocates’ equitable map woes” from Roll Call
“GOP lawmakers in 28 states, including Pa., have introduced more than 100 bills seeking to restrict ballot access” from the Pennsylvania Capital-Star
“Biden extends mortgage forbearance, foreclosure relief programs” from Marketplace
“This year’s tax season is likely to be more stressful than usual” from Marketplace
“Redefine Meat raises $29 million to finance rollout of 3D-printed meat substitute” from Reuters
“NASA’s Perseverance Rover Sends Sneak Peek of Mars Landing” from NASA

And we apologize for the technical difficulties with the livestream. We’ll be back next Friday for the live happy hour taping on YouTube! Join us at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern — subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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Like a lot of people, we’ve spent some time today watching this story about Sen. Ted Cruz’s scuttled trip to Cancún, Mexico, but don’t take your eye off the ball. Today, we’ll talk about the crisis brought on by cold weather and infrastructure failures in Texas. Plus, what it takes for a woman to be promoted to general and the Mars rover Perseverance.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Sen. Ted Cruz faces storm of controversy for flying to Cancun as Texas grapples with power outages caused by severe weather” from The Washington Post

“Texas blackouts during deep freeze highlight grid challenges” from Marketplace

“How Texas weather disruptions will ripple through oil supply chain” from Marketplace

“Running an online business … when the power goes out” from Marketplace

“Deep freeze has Texas ranchers concerned about food, water for cattle” from Marketplace

“Promotions for Female Generals Were Delayed Over Fears of Trump’s Reaction” from The New York Times

“A Grim Measure of Covid’s Toll: Life Expectancy Drops Sharply in U.S.” from The New York Times

Redditors want to know: Where is AOC?

“NASA Lands the Perseverance Rover on Mars” from Wired

“New Zealand to Roll Out Free Period Products to All Students” from The New York Times

Join us live on YouTube Friday at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern for our live happy hour episode! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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Guest host Kimberly Adams mentioned the return of earmarks yesterday, and a listener wants to know more about the “currency of compromise.” To help answer that one, we called up Laura Blessing, a senior fellow at the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University. Plus, Kimberly and Kai Ryssdal answer more of your questions about the 10-year Treasury note, women in postsecondary education and, uh, campaign promises.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Can Pork Bring Back Bipartisanship?” from Cook Political Report

“10-year Treasury yield marks biggest daily jump in over three months” from MarketWatch

“Fed’s Esther George says she is not concerned about Treasury-yield spike” also from MarketWatch

“Mortgage demand falls further as rates rise at the fastest pace in months” from CNBC

“Household Debt Climbs to Record in U.S. Amid Surge in Mortgages” from Bloomberg

“Few Positives in Final Fall Enrollment Numbers” from Inside Higher Ed

A little additional research

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The Biden administration is working to repair norms and rollback policies covering so much from the Trump era. So where does immigration sit in the priority list? The White House already rescinded the “zero-tolerance” policy that separated migrant families, but unwinding rules and reuniting those families are very different things. Today, we’ll talk with The Atlantic’s Caitlin Dickerson about the reunification effort and the lasting impact on families.

Here are links to everything we talked about on the show today:

Dickerson’s piece from The New York Times last year: “Three Years After Family Separation, Her Son Is Back. But Her Life Is Not.”

“Trump and Aides Drove Family Separation at Border, Documents Say” also from The New York Times

“Biden signs executive orders on family separation and asylum” from Politico

Another interview with Dickerson on MSNBC about how Biden is taking steps to tackle the root of immigration from Central America

“Biden faces questions about commitment to minimum wage hike” from the Los Angeles Times

“CEOs of Reddit and Robinhood and ‘Roaring Kitty’ slated to testify in GameStop hearing” from The Verge

“Democrats Want To Bring Back Earmarks” from HuffPost

“Restoring Earmarks Is Probably a Good Thing” from Bloomberg Opinion

This billboard a listener sent in

Finally, how to send us a voice memo

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It’s been a while since we’ve checked in on the U.S. Postal Service. We’re about three weeks into the Biden administration, so why is a political lightening rod like Louis DeJoy still running the post office? We’ll explain. Plus: more Elon Musk stonks and a new wrinkle in Kai Ryssdal’s vendetta against his internet provider. And, of course, we’ll finish off with a round of our favorite game, “Half Full/Half Empty.”

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“How the Stock Market Works Now: Elon Musk Tweets, Millions Buy” from The Wall Street Journal

Here’s ElonStocks.com, if you’re interested

“Postmaster general’s new plan for USPS is said to include slower mail and higher prices” from The Washington Post

“Inside the making of Facebook’s Supreme Court” from The New Yorker

“AT&T scrambles to install fiber for 90-year-old after his viral WSJ ad” from Ars Technica

“SpaceX opens Starlink satellite internet pre-orders to the public” from Engadget

“Aunt Jemima Has a New Name After 131 Years: The Pearl Milling Company” from The New York Times

“How the end of slavery led to two different minimum wages” from Marketplace

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the live happy hour taping on YouTube! Join us next Friday at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern —subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.<

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GameStop closed at $51.10 a share today. We’re far away from the heady days of, uh, two weeks ago. But something has still been nagging at us: Why didn’t the beleaguered video game retailer jump on the opportunity to sell some shares and pay down its debt? Today we finally got an answer, and we’ll take some time to explain. Plus: a little talk about the impeachment trial so far, vaccines and Bitcoin.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Microsoft: U.S. should consider Aussie law vexing Facebook, Google” from Axios
“Exclusive: How GameStop missed out on capitalizing on the Reddit rally” from Reuters
“Angry customers show up at Robinhood’s headquarters in the wake of GameStop trading chaos” from CNBC
“Reddit user says post on $800M Tesla bitcoin buy was a hoax” from the New York Post
“Biden says U.S. will have enough vaccine for 300 million people by end of July” from The Washington Post

Join us live on YouTube Friday at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern for our live happy hour episode! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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Well, Elon Musk has been tweeting again. Specifically, he’s been tweeting about how much he loves bitcoin, right after his automaker Tesla bought up $1.5 billion worth of it. Is this a distraction from the company’s China troubles? A scheme running afoul of the SEC? An epic bacon win for all the lulz, good sir? Maybe all three? We try and get into Musk’s head on today’s show. Wish us luck. Plus, your questions about minimum wage, interest rates and mRNA.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Tesla buys $1.5 billion in bitcoin, plans to accept it as payment” from CNBC

“Why did Tesla buy bitcoin?” from MarketWatch

“‘Big Short’ investor Michael Burry calls Tesla’s $1.5 billion bet on Bitcoin a distraction – and says Dogecoin’s record price signals a massive bubble” from Business Insider

“Low U.S. Rates Exacerbate Racial Wealth Gap, Paper Shows” from Bloomberg

“The next act for messenger RNA could be bigger than covid vaccines” from MIT Technology Review

And you might want to catch up with our recent episodes on mRNA and the minimum wage

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Why is it so hard to raise the minimum wage? Even the leading expert on the topic isn’t quite sure. It’s one of the few issues that’s broadly popular with Americans, and even some corporate hard-liners are softening. Democrats have been trying to tie a new federal minimum wage to the COVID relief bill, and the Congressional Budget Office has come out with a new analysis of its impact. Today, we’ll talk with that expert, University of Massachusetts at Amherst economist Arindrajit Dube, about that analysis and the broader view of the minimum wage and how it affects the overall economy.

Here are links to everything we talked about on the show today:

You can read more about Dube here: “The Burger Flipper Who Became a World Expert on the Minimum Wage” from Bloomberg

“Even a divided America agrees on raising the minimum wage” from Brookings

The CBO’s latest analysis of a minimum wage hike, and one from 2019 (be warned: both are PDFs)

“No Quick Fix for Auto Chip Shortage” from The Wall Street Journal

“Biden: Yellen needs a ‘Hamilton’ musical. Dessa: Here you go.” from “Marketplace.” You can also hear “Who’s Yellen Now?” on YouTube and all the streaming services.

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Oh, you say you need one more thing to worry about? Look to Oldsmar, Florida, where hackers seem to have broken into a water treatment plant, temporarily raising the amount of lye in the water. Today, we’ll talk about the cyber arms race and the threats, large and small, that are facing this country. Plus: women’s workforce participation has been set back decades, and Kai Ryssdal looks into minimum wage’s impact on the deficit.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Someone tried to poison Oldsmar’s water supply during hack, sheriff says” from the Tampa Bay Times

“How the United States lost to hackers” from The New York Times, plus reporter Nicole Perlroth’s thread on the Oldsmar incident

“Another 275,000 Women Left the Labor Force in January” from the National Women’s Law Center

The book “Kill Switch” by Adam Jentleson

“CBO report finds $15 minimum wage would cost jobs but lower poverty levels” from The Washington Post

And if you want to read the Congressional Budget Office report, which is in PDF format, it’s here

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We’ve been covering COVID’s impact on women in the workforce for a while, and this New York Times profile of three moms “on the brink” hit close to home. Today, we take a step back and look at how these women and their struggles are being framed and reckoned with. Plus: More SPAC news, Valentine’s Day plans and the coverage of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Marjorie Taylor Greene harangues Democrats, the media, some GOP after getting booted off committees” from NBC News
And the other view of that presser
“Three American mothers on the brink” from The New York Times
Our episode from September, “Coronavirus is pushing women out of work“
“DNA-testing firm 23andMe to go public through Branson-backed SPAC in a $3.5 billion deal” from CNBC
“U.S. falls out of top 10 in measure of innovation” from Marketplace
And a book recommendation: “Kill Switch” by Adam Jentleson

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Voting tech company Smartmatic is suing several of Donald Trump’s allies, Fox News personalities and the network itself for an eye-watering $2.7 billion in damages over false claims of fraud in the 2020 election. Another company, Dominion, has been rattling its saber as well. Today we’ll talk about where those suits might go and why even the right-wing Newsmax is backing off its #StopTheSteal claims. Plus: Snow cocktails!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Democrats Want To Focus On Marjorie Taylor Greene. That May Come Back To Haunt Them.” from BuzzFeed News
“WELP: Republican Voters Approve of Marjorie Taylor Greene Over Liz Cheney By a Whopping 38 Points in New Poll” from Mediaite
“Smartmatic Files $2.7 Billion Lawsuit Against Fox News” from the New York Times
“Newsmax anchor storms off set when MyPillow CEO voices election conspiracies” from CNN
Snow cocktails from Chef Jose Andres
“We talked to the Marine from this viral Inauguration Day photo with Lady Gaga” from Task and Purpose
“Amanda Gorman Interviewed by Michelle Obama” from Time

Join us live on YouTube Friday at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time/6:30 p.m. Eastern for our live happy hour episode! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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Amazon, the so-called “everything store,” is increasingly becoming the “everywhere store.” Why would the largest online retailer pivot so hard into brick and mortar? And, oh yeah, what’s up with Jeff Bezos stepping down as CEO? Also on tap for this Whadda Ya Wanna Know Wednesday: Are we headed for a COVID baby bust? What about a recession? And before our Friday happy hour episode: What’s a hazy IPA?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Amazon’s delivery speed is facing increasing competition from rivals with a fleet of stores” from MarketWatch
“The recession may be over — technically” from the Washington Post
“Pandemic Baby Boom Turned Out to Be Bust Despite Lockdown” from Bloomberg
More from beer reporter Kate Bernot

Speaking of happy hour: Join us live on YouTube this Friday at 3:30 Pacific/6:30 Eastern! Subscribe to our channel and sign up for notifications so you don’t miss it.

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There’s another hot, disruptive force in finance beyond r/WallStreetBets: special purpose acquisition companies, or SPACs. A SPAC is basically big pools of money that help take companies public quickly. They attracted big names in 2020, and now individual investors want in. Here to make us smart on the promise and peril of SPACs is Wall Street Journal markets reporter Amrith Ramkumar.

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We can’t lie y’all, we’re fighting off The Dark Place today. On the docket: extremism in Facebook groups, how quickly we’re aging and all the poor folks losing money in “stonks.” Maybe you can listen while you watch these pandas in the snow?

Here are links for everything we talked about:

“Facebook Knew Calls for Violence Plagued ‘Groups,’ Now Plans Overhaul” from The Wall Street Journal

“How Facebook Groups Are Being Exploited To Spread Misinformation, Plan Harassment, And Radicalize People” from BuzzFeed News, back in 2018

Some disturbing “Wonder Years” math

“U.S. Hits Pandemic Milestone With More Vaccinated Than Cases” from Bloomberg

IsTheSqueezeSquoze.com

“‘Black Panther’ Helmer Ryan Coogler Stakes His Proximity Media Banner To 5-Year Exclusive Disney Television Deal; Wakanda Series In Works For Disney+” from Deadline

“Big step forward for Dr. Martens as shares jump in $5 billion London debut” from Reuters

“Pandas at National Zoo play in snow” from CNN

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We just can’t look away from these stonks! The whole affair around GameStop, r/WallStreetBets, Robinhood and the rest is like a car crash — a 20-car pileup of money, power, technology, regulation and more. It’ll be with us for a bit longer here. Today we start assessing the fallout. Plus: We play “Half Full/Half Empty” with outdoor dining, buying American and more.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“After GameStop Backlash, Citron Research Will Stop Publishing Short-Seller Reports” from The Wall Street Journal

“Some businesses may struggle to follow Biden’s ‘Buy American’ rules” from Marketplace

“Outdoor dining returns to L.A. County with new COVID-19 rules: TVs off, no more than 6 per table” from the Los Angeles Times

Thanks to everyone who joined us live on YouTube! To have a drink with Kai Ryssdal and Molly Wood and hear some extra chatter, subscribe so you don’t miss the next one!

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Two things you need to know about the situation with GameStop, WallStreetBets and that whole mess today: First, retail traders aren’t actually the customers at Robinhood, the stock-trading app that many of those retail traders are mad at. Second, while the potential losses of retail stock buyers max out at 100%, if a hedge fund is selling short, as they often do, the losses can be infinite. We’ll fill you in on what you need to know — or you could just watch this.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“WeWork in Talks to Combine With SPAC or Raise Money Privately” from The Wall Street Journal

“Robinhood’s Customers Are Hedge Funds Like Citadel, Its Users Are the Product” from Vice

And, one more time, this “stonks” explainer

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The Reddit- and Discord-fueled explosion of GameStop’s stock isn’t over. In fact, a bunch of other companies are seeing their stock prices inch closer to their ’90s and 2000s glory days, befuddling hedge funds and raising questions about who gets to manipulate the market. A bunch of listeners have written in with questions about “stonks,” so we’ll spend a little time on one today. Plus, we’ll get a little wonky and take you behind the scenes of why we do “The Numbers.”

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“What exactly is going on with GameStop?” from Marketplace

“The GameStop stock frenzy, explained” from Vox

A few heartwarming investor stories

“What the heck is reconciliation?” from Marketplace

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In just the past three Wednesdays we’ve seen an insurrection, a (second!) impeachment and an inauguration. Coming off this not-so-peaceful transition of power and months of election conspiracies, President Joe Biden declared in his inauguration speech, “Democracy has prevailed.” Has it, though? Sure, the insurrection failed, but that doesn’t mean our democracy is in particularly good shape after these four years, or even the past 40 years. On today’s show, MIT economist Daron Acemoglu, author of “How Nations Fail,” tells us how the health of our democracy affects the economy, and vice versa.

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We looked at GameStop’s ballooning share price Friday, and since then things have … progressed. Today, we’ll look at what happened between the beleaguered video game retailer and r/WallStreetBets with “numb fascination.” Plus: contrasting Twitter and Facebook’s rules around misinformation and — one more time — Janet Treasury-Secretaryin’.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“A Fight Over GameStop’s Soaring Stock Turns Ugly” from Wired

“Twitter launches ‘Birdwatch,’ a forum to combat misinformation” from NBC News

“Trump Wants Back on Facebook. This Star-Studded Jury Might Let Him.” from The New York Times

“Budweiser skips Super Bowl ads in favor of vaccine education campaign” from Axios

“Senate Confirms Yellen as Treasury Secretary as Stimulus Talks Loom” from The New York Times

One more time, here are all the links to listen to Dessa’s song “Who’s Yellen Now?”

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A Rolex watch and Peloton coverage topped the list of presidential “scandals” Kai Ryssdal and Molly Wood were none to happy to read about this week. They dive into why the media (ahem) shouldn’t be spending so much time on this kind of coverage. Later in the show, they’ll finally share their very specific predictions for 2021 and pay tribute to the late home run king, Hank Aaron. Plus, a short round of “Half Full, Half Empty.” Have a great weekend! Here’s everything we talked about today:

“Is That a Rolex on Biden’s Wrist?” from The New York Times

“Biden Has a Peloton Bike. That Raises Issues at the White House.” also from The New York Times

“People Are So, So Mad at GameStop Investors and FinTok Influencers” from Vice

“GameStop soars nearly 70%, trading briefly halted amid epic short squeeze” from CNBC

“Hank Aaron, Home Run King Who Defied Racism, Dies at 86” from The New York Times

“Pandemic drives backyard ice rink boom” from Marketplace

“Instacart is firing every employee who voted to unionize” from The Verge

Finally, here are all the links to listen to Dessa’s song “Who’s Yellen Now?”

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Just as we were getting used to the idea of a European COVID-19 mutation spreading to the states, scientists in California have found a new, domestic mutation of the virus: CAL.20C. We’ll talk about it, plus Parler fallout, Clubhouse and fireworks.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

“New California Variant May Be Driving Virus Surge There, Study Suggests” from The New York Times

“Judge refuses to reinstate Parler’s Amazon account” from The Verge

“Facebook Refers Trump Account Suspension to Oversight Board” from The Wall Street Journal

And, of course, this ode to Janet Yellen

Make Me Smart: Recent Episodes

Marketplace

BloomCam from the Trust for the National Mall

MetGala