Make Me Smart

A growing list of U.S. cities are set to see National Guard troops in their communities as President Trump explores ways to deploy the military on American soil. But legal challenges are piling up. On today's show, Kimberly talks with Patrick Eddington, senior fellow in homeland security and civil liberties at the Cato Institute, about the changing role of the National Guard and why Trump's use of the Guard defies precedent.Here's everything we talked about today:"The President's List of Subversive Organizations" from the Cato Institute"Trump's use of Guard may have lasting impact on cities and troops" from The Washington Post"Trump's use of the National Guard sets up a legal clash testing presidential power" from AP News"Troops and marines deeply troubled by LA deployment: ‘Morale is not great'" from The Guardian"What We Lose by Distorting the Mission of the National Guard" from The AtlanticWe love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

On today's show, Kimberly is joined by Marketplace's very own Henry Epp to chat about his reporting on the “maturing” of the craft beer industry, and just who's sipping all those IPAs and sours. They'll also get into how the Trump administration is using the government shutdown to consolidate power. Plus, we'll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!Here's everything we talked about today:“For years, craft beer was booming. Now, it's ‘maturing'” from Marketplace“Trump charts path to total control amid government shutdown” from Axios“AOL's dial up internet takes its last bow, marking the end of an era” from the Associated Press“Colleges turn to video essays to counter AI-written submissions” from Marketplace Tech“Robots are learning to make human babies. Twenty have already been born.” from The Washington Post“Buy it in ChatGPT: Instant Checkout and the Agentic Commerce Protocol” from OpenAI“The future of loyalty” from Business Insider

Messy fights over funding the federal government have become all too familiar in American politics. Why are we like this? On the show today, The Brookings Institution's Molly Reynolds joins Kimberly to explain how shutdowns became Congress' political weapon of choice and why the federal budget process has gotten even more complicated under the Trump administration. Plus, we hear from you, our dear listeners.Here's everything we talked about today:"Congress has long struggled to pass spending bills on time" from Pew Research Center"Government shutdown continues as Senate Democrats hold firm on health care demands" from AP News"How John Thune sees the shutdown ending" from Politico"What are Democrats' demands in the government shutdown fight?" from MarketplaceShow your love for Make Me Smart and our community of curious listeners! Donate now to get us one step closer to our Fall Fundraiser

Las Vegas is facing a months long decline in tourism, partly due fewer international visitors to the United States overall. So is Las Vegas dead? “Marketplace Morning Report” host David Brancaccio went to find out. He joins Kimberly on the show today to share what he's hearing from business owners and tourists about the city's economic slump. Here's everything we talked about today:"Sin City tourism slump signals wider economic slowdown" from Axios"An Empty Strip And Fewer Tips: Is Las Vegas In Trouble?" from Time"Las Vegas is hurting as tourism drops. Are Canadians behind the Sin City slump?" from CBC NewsThe way forward is together! Step up and be one of 2,000 Marketplace Investors before our fundraiser ends Friday. Give now: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

Hey Smarties! Today we're sharing a special bonus episode from “How We Survive.” It's a conversation between host Amy Scott, “Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal and Pulitzer Prize winning science writer Elizabeth Kolbert. Together, they dig into how the climate crisis is triggering economic disruption. Plus, some solutions to be hopeful about.And, we get a peek into Kolbert's forthcoming book, ”Life on a Little-Known Planet: Dispatches from a Changing World.” In this collection of her most influential essays, Kolbert takes readers around the globe, telling stories about caterpillars, whale conversations and the people trying to preserve our planet.This conversation was recorded live, over Zoom, in front of an audience. You can watch the webinar here. The event is presented by Odoo with additional underwriting support from The Economist. 

On today's show, Alaska Public Media reporter Ava White joins Kimberly to make us smarter about Fat Bear Week and the issues that are top of mind for Alaskans right now. Alaska residents receive an annual check funded by the state's oil royalties. But its purchasing power is lower than ever. We'll get into it. Plus, we'll weigh in on AI live translations and a rise in Hamburger Helper sales during a round of Half Full/Half Empty!Here's everything we talked about today:"Meet the superfans going wild for Alaska's fattest bears" from Alaska Public Media"Alaska ignored warning signs of a budget crisis. Now it doesn't have money to fix crumbling schools" from KYUK”The 2025 Alaska Permanent Fund dividend will be $1,000” from Alaska Public Media"North Slope leaders applaud tax breaks for whalers in the GOP megabill” from KNBA"Why are restaurant chains opening beverage-focused spinoffs?" from Marketplace"AI is taking on live translations. But jobs and meaning are getting lost." from The Washington Post"Touchscreens in cars are finally on their way out. Good riddance" from Fast Company"Hamburger Helper Sales Rise as Americans Try to Stretch Their Food Dollars" from The New York TimesIt's Half-Priced Hoodie Weekend! Give $10 a month to support our journalism today, and we'll thank you with a cozy Marketplace zip-up hoodie: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

Today we're diving into the business of music. Trapital founder Dan Runcie joins Kimberly to explain what Anthropic's recent copyright settlement with authors could mean for record labels who've sued AI companies, the “fair use” debates dominating the music industry, and why even the biggest stars are struggling to create chart-toppers these days. Plus, we'll celebrate a win from one of our listeners.Here's everything we talked about today:"The Generative AI Music Sweepstakes" from Trapital "Anthropic Agrees to Pay Authors at Least $1.5 Billion in AI Copyright Settlement" from Wired"Labels Claim Suno Pirated Songs From YouTube in Bulked-Up AI Copyright Lawsuit" from Billboard"YouTube copyright fight: Rick Beato warns UMG claims over short music clips could end his channel" from TechSpot TikTok from Lizzo"Kneecap, Faye Webster & 400 Other Artists Remove Their Catalogs From Israel: ‘No Music for Genocide'" from Billboard Join us tomorrow for “Economics on Tap.” The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

President Trump is not a fan of the United Nations—he made that clear in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly today. Under Trump, the United States has pulled back from several efforts, including U.N. organizations, that have contributed to the country's so-called soft power goals. On the show today, Joshua Eisenman, professor of politics in the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame, joins Kimberly to discuss the changing role of the U.S. in global politics and how China is seizing this moment to gain more influence.Here's everything we talked about today:"Trump tells UN in speech that it is 'not even coming close to living up' to its potential" from AP News"Geopolitics of Trump Tariffs: How U.S. Trade Policy Has Shaken Allies" from Council on Foreign Relations"How China Stands to Gain as the U.S. Steps Away From the U.N." from The New York Times"The Global South Won't Give Up on China" from Foreign RelationsIt's Marketplace's Fall Fundraiser! Give now and be one of 2,000 donors in 10 days: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

On today's show, Kimberly is joined by Marlon Hyde, business and economics reporter for WABE in Atlanta, to unpack the fallout of the massive ICE raid at a Hyundai facility in Georgia in which hundreds of South Korean nationals were arrested. And, we'll get into what Atlanta small business owners are worried about these days. (Spoiler: it's tariffs.) Plus, we'll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!Here's everything we talked about today:"Immigration raid at Georgia Hyundai factory tests state's longstanding relationship with South Korea" from WABE"Hyundai says it will spend $2.7 billion expanding part of the Georgia complex raided by ICE" from AP News"Atlanta develops human rights action plan for 2026 FIFA World Cup" from WABE"After another subpar summer of going to the movies, what's next?" from Marketplace"Finally, the era of free in-flight WiFi is near" from The Washington Post"Costco's New Shopping Hours Are a Sign of Tierification of US Economy" from Business Insider "People are boycotting Disney, Hulu, and ESPN after ABC yanked Jimmy Kimmel off the air. Will it work?" from Fast CompanyWe love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

This week, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates and made it clear that its attention is turning to the labor market. It's showing cracks, particularly for Black workers. On the show today, Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley joins Kimberly to discuss rising Black women's unemployment in the United States and why she's calling on the Fed to do something about it. Plus, Kimberly digs through your anime recs. Which ones have you seen?Here's everything we talked about today:"Pressley urges Fed chair to address Black women's unemployment as the figure rises" from NBC News"There are worrying signs buried in the August jobs report" from Marketplace "Rising Unemployment Among Black Women Is a Bad Economic Sign" from Time"Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle slays the U.S. box office with record-breaking debut" from PolygonJoin us tomorrow for “Economics on Tap.” The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

The latest retail sales data shows U.S. consumers are still spending it up, even in the face of higher tariff costs and a shaky labor market. Wealthier Americans are driving the trend, but a “culture of treats” might also play a role. Marketplace's Kristin Schwab joins Kimberly to explain her theory. Plus, brands like Gap are pitching themselves to Gen Z by riffing on Y2K fashion. Are you onboard?Here's everything we talked about today:"Retail sales up 0.6% in August from July even as tariffs hurt jobs and lead to price hikes" from AP News"Top 10% of Earners Drive a Growing Share of US Consumer Spending" from Bloomberg "For some consumers, luxury is not a treat — it's a lifestyle" from Marketplace "Why are millennial brands trying to ride the Y2K trend?" from Marketplace"Why Gap's ‘Better In Denim' Ad Struck The Right Chord" from ForbesWe love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Today's news comes with a side of pawpaws. Kimberly is joined by Laura Blessing, senior fellow at the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University, to break down the moves President Trump is making to exert more control over government spending. As Congress faces the possibility of another shutdown head on, it's souring the mood. Plus, we'll play a new game! Can you guess which headline is fake?Here's everything we talked about today:"What is a pawpaw, and will I ever be able to buy it at the grocery store?" from Marketplace"‘Don't even bother dealing with them,' Trump says of Democrats' shutdown demands" from Politico"What to know about Trump's ‘pocket rescission'" from The Hill "Paris Hilton mini-fridges recalled due to fire, burn hazards" from The Hill  "Musk got DOGE's mission "backward," Lutnick says" from Axios  "Trump announces crackdown on pharmaceutical advertising" from Politico We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

In the wake of yesterday's assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, Regina Bateson, a political science professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, joins Kimberly to unpack the rise of targeted political violence in the United States and what it means for the health of our democracy. Then, one of our listeners shares how digitizing her great grandmother's WWII diaries helped connect her with her family's past.Here's everything we talked about today:"A new dark normal of political violence still shocks the nation" Politico "Tracking Attitudes About Elections and Political Violence Over Time" from States United Democracy Center"How Americans Justify Political Violence" from The New York Times Magazine "Special Report: Key Political Violence and Resilience Trends From 2024" from the Bridging Divides Initiative Check out Beth's digitized diary project Join us tomorrow for “Economics on Tap.” The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

On today's show, host of APM Reports' “Sold a Story” podcast Emily Hanford joins Kimberly to make us smarter about the science of reading movement. It's gained a foothold over the past few years (thanks in part to “Sold a Story”). But the Trump administration's cuts to the Department of Education could slow the momentum of reading research and the effort to share it with educators.Here's everything we talked about today:"Episode 14: The Cuts" from “Sold a Story”"$900 Million in Institute of Education Sciences Contracts Axed" from Inside Higher Ed"How legislation on reading instruction is changing across the country" from APM Reports"What to Know About the Science of Reading" from The New York TimesLearn some Kimberly Adams trivia on Marketplace's InstagramWe love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Hey Smarties! Today we're sharing an episode from the latest season of “How We Survive,” Marketplace's climate solutions podcast. Host Amy Scott and the team have been digging into the rise and fall of environmental, social and governance-based investing, or ESG. In this episode, ESG comes back to life in new forms of climate-conscious investing.

Hey Smarties! Today we're passing the mic to our friends over at “How We Survive,” Marketplace's climate solutions podcast. Their latest season digs into the rise and fall of environmental, social and governance-based investing, or ESG. In this episode, host Amy Scott and the team dig into how one Texas law spurred a right-wing movement against ESG.

Hey Smarties! “Make Me Smart” will be back with new episodes Sept. 9. In the meantime, we're sharing an episode from the latest season of “Million Bazillion.” Hosts Bridget and Ryan dive into why organic food tends to cost more than non-organic with the help of Marketplace reporter Stephanie Hughes. Whether you're a kid or grown-up, if you're curious about the prices we pay at the grocery store, there's something in this episode for you.

These are tumultuous times in the economy. Inflation is still happening, the job market is weakening, and there's uncertainty over tariffs and other federal policies. But the headlines don't capture the real costs of everything happening right now. Today, Kai Ryssdal is popping into your feed with special coverage and reporting from “Marketplace" to explore the way we measure this economy and what's at stake if those statistics become suspect.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

On the show today, Kimberly joins us from the anime convention AnimeNYC to share more about the economic impact of the anime industry and what cosplayers and business owners are saying about the economy right now. Spoiler alert: Tariffs are top of mind! And, we'll weigh in on corporate apologies and the spicy food craze during a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Plus, a big thank you to Reema as she wraps up her time on the show.Here's everything we talked about today:"10 anime series that will teach you about economics" from Marketplace"Here's the corporate strategy behind switching from merit increases to flat raises" from Marketplace"The era of the public apology is ending" from Axios"Amazon now sells used Hertz rental cars" from The Verge"How spicy became the hottest flavor in town" from Marketplace"Money and Relationships" e-book from Marketplace“Make Me Smart” will be back Sept. 9. Until then, leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

COVID-19 cases are on the rise again, and the federal guidelines for who should get vaccinated are in flux. We'll unpack how it could impact what insurers are willing to cover this fall. And, as President Trump's federal takeover of Washington D.C. continues, why is the city so quiet? Kimberly shares her take as a local. Plus, The Onion is proving that print publications can still thrive in the digital age.Here's everything we talked about today:"Why Washington Residents Aren't Flooding the Streets to Protest Trump" from Politico  "Top White House officials turn to public appearances with troops as a tense Washington watches" from AP News"JD Vance booed during hamburger handout to national guard troops in DC" from The Guardian "Trump's police takeover of DC has a surprising casualty: restaurant reservations" from Fortune"Will I Be Able to Get the New 2025 COVID Vaccine This Fall?" from The Cut "For some, fall Covid shots may come with copays — or no coverage at all" from NBC News"The Onion Brought Back Its Print Edition. The Gamble Is Paying Off." from The Wall Street JournalDon't miss Kimberly's anime recommendations in this week's Marketplace newsletter. Sign up at marketplace.org/subscribe.

Ahead of the central bank's big meeting in Jackson Hole this week, President Trump is ramping up pressure on the Federal Reserve, calling for Fed governor Lisa Cook to resign over accusations of fraud. We'll get into it. And, SpaceX got a win in federal court that could have lasting effects on the power of the National Labor Relations Board. Plus, what makes a good life?"Appeals court says NLRB structure unconstitutional, in a win for SpaceX" from Tech Crunch"The Government Just Made it Harder for The Public to Comment on Regulations" from 404 Media"Trump Says Smithsonian Focuses Too Much on ‘How Bad Slavery Was'" from The New York Times"Trump Considers Firing Fed Official After Accusation of Mortgage Fraud" from The Wall Street Journal"There's a path to a good life beyond happiness and meaning" from The Washington Post We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Over the past few years, the anime industry has reached new heights on the global stage. Netflix reported that over half of its global viewers watch anime. And, certain anime titles will soon be streaming on Delta flights. On the show today, Anime News Networks' Egan Loo makes us smart about the rise of the anime and manga industries, the global dynamics of anime production, and how AI could change everything. Later, we'll get some advice on making a career change from a listener. And chess player-turned-economist Kenneth Rogoff answers the Make Me Smart question.Here's everything we talked about today:"Anime Is Booming. So Why Are Animators Living in Poverty?" from The New York Times"From Piracy Problems to Labor Shortages, the Anime Industry Is Facing a Reckoning" from Screen Rant"Thousands of Anime Titles Will Soon Be Streamable on Delta Flights" from Timeout"Sony's Crunchyroll Makes Layoffs as It Restructures to Lean Into International Growth Markets" from Variety"The Biggest Movie You Haven't Seen Is Finally Coming To US Theaters" from Inverse  "How Korean webtoons are changing the comic industry—and the careers of creators" from Fast CompanyDon't miss Kimberly's anime recommendations in this week's Marketplace newsletter. Sign up at marketplace.org/subscribe.

Republicans in Congress are attempting to claw back federal funding to replace the U.S. Postal Service's outdated mail trucks with a mostly electric fleet. We'll break down the fight. And, parents across the country are facing a slew of economic headwinds. How does a couple with 5 kids and a modest income make it work? Plus, a mysterious comet and a rebrand at MSNBC.Here's everything we talked about today:"Republicans look to make a U-turn on federal commitment to electric vehicles for the Postal Service" from AP News"Senate Republicans cannot force US Postal Service to scrap EVs, parliamentarian says" from Reuters "What It's Really Like to Support a Big Family on a Modest Income in America" from The Wall Street Journal "MSNBC to change name to MS NOW amid spinoff from NBCUniversal" from NBC News"A mysterious comet is shooting through our solar system. Why are scientists so excited about 3I/Atlas?" from The Guardian We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has plans to nearly double the number of its immigration detention centers by the end of the year. The agency has an enormous budget to carry out its agenda, but can it find enough workers to do the job? We'll get into it. And, we'll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!Here's everything we talked about today:"ICE documents reveal plan to double immigrant detention space this year" from The Washington Post"ICE Has Tons of Cash, But Is Struggling to Hire Enough Agents" from Time"Secretary Noem Unveils No Age Limit for Patriotic Americans to Join ICE Law Enforcement to Help Remove Worst of the Worst from U.S." from the Department of Homeland Security "Spike in Corruption Followed Last Hiring Surge at CBP and ICE" from American Immigration Council"Adjustable-rate mortgages make a comeback" from Marketplace"The White House makes a play for Intel" from Marketplace"Work weeks are getting more intense for AI startups" from Marketplace"LA 2028 Olympics to sell venue naming rights" from AxiosWe love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

It's not just you — we feel the bad vibes in the job market too. On the show today, we'll unpack how what we're hearing from those on the job hunt compares to what the data shows about a labor market slump. And, President Donald Trump says he wants to allow riskier assets like crypto and private equity investments in retirement accounts. Plus, mocktails make us smile.Here's everything we talked about today:"Democratizing Access to Alternative Assets for 401(K) Investors" from The White House"Should You Include Cryptocurrency in 401(k) Investments?" from AARP"Trump wants your 401(k) to access crypto and private equity. Here's what to know." from CBS News"Would you add crypto to your retirement portfolio?" from Marketplace"How do hiring sites deal with a slowing job market?" from Marketplace"Long-term unemployment is rising as uncertain businesses hold off on hiring" from MarketplaceWe love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Since President Trump's firing of the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner over a weak jobs report, we've been thinking a lot about the trustworthiness of U.S. economic data. Other countries like China can offer a glimpse of what happens when that trust erodes. On the show today, Marketplace's China correspondent Jennifer Pak explains how she works around unreliable data when reporting on the Chinese economy. Plus, could the United States be headed in the same direction?Here's everything we talked about today:"12 million students in China will graduate this year into a shaky job market" from Marketplace"China says its unemployment rate is “stable,” but job seekers remain gloomy" from Marketplace "Is GDP still a useful gauge of China's economy?" from Marketplace"How Bad Is China's Economy? The Data Needed to Answer Is Vanishing" from The Wall Street Journal  "How to deal with untrustworthy government economic data? Look to China" from Marketplace"Trump taps Heritage economist to lead BLS" from PoliticoWe love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Today we're diving into some ongoing battles over athlete pay, from college athletics to the WNBA. In the case of college sports, a recent lawsuit settlement involving the NCAA allows colleges and universities to pay their athletes directly. On the show today, sports journalist Kennington Lloyd Smith III explains how college athlete pay has evolved, how the recent House v. NCAA settlement could strain athletic departments, and what could come from the WNBA players' current fight for more equitable pay. Plus, the sports private equity firms are eyeing.Then, we'll hear how one listener got involved in local government. Plus, Paralympic sled hockey gold medalist Declan Farmer answers the Make Me Smart question.Here's everything we talked about today:"How college athletes will be paid after House v. NCAA settlement: NIL changes, enforcement, contracts and more" from CBS Sports"Trump signs executive order to 'protect' college sports" from Politico "Down to Business: Valuations are wild, returns are rocky. But women's sports teams are in demand" from The Athletic "The WNBA Has a Good Problem on Its Hands" from The Atlantic "Private equity tees up to invest in youth sports" from Marketplace  "Travelers aren't big fans of TSA's facial recognition program, report finds" from Marketplace  We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

President Trump today said he's temporarily taking over Washington's police department and sending in National Guard troops to crack down on crime. We'll get into the legal questions surrounding the move, and Kimberly shares her thoughts as a local. Plus, key inflation data set to come out this week could bring the impact of tariffs into clearer view. Then, we'll smile about meteor showers and beach glass.Here's everything we talked about today:"Trump says he's placing Washington police under federal control and deploying the National Guard" from AP News"Trump says crime in D.C. is out of control. Here's what the data shows." from The Washington Post "What Trump can — and can't — do in his bid to take over law enforcement in DC" from Politico  "Small Businesses Brace for the Punishing Side Effects of Trump's Tariffs" from The New York Times"July Inflation Data: What to Watch in Tuesday's CPI Report" from The Wall Street Journal "How to Watch the Perseids, the Strongest Meteor Shower of the Summer" from The New York TimesWe love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

President Trump will replace Billy Long as the head of the Internal Revenue Service, less than two months since he was confirmed. This comes after months of turmoil at the IRS. We'll explain. And, did you know could opt out of facial recognition software when going through airport security? Plus, we'll weigh in on Instagram's new map feature and more during a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here's everything we talked about today:"Trump Is Removing Billy Long as the I.R.S. Head 2 Months After He Was Confirmed" from The New York Times"The Comply To Fly?" from The Algorithmic Justice League"This wedding season, some couples are using their registries to give back" from Marketplace"Should buy now, pay later factor into credit scores?" from Marketplace"The New York Post is launching a California edition. Why?" from The Washington Post "Instagram Map lets your friends, and possibly exes, track your every move'" from The Washington PostTell us about your experience with TSA's facial recognition system. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Remember the K-shaped economy? It's the idea that the American economy recovered unevenly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week's bombshell jobs report showed a similar pattern in the labor market, where certain sectors are booming, while others are falling behind. We'll explain. And, we'll unpack President Trump's threats for a 100% tariff on semiconductors and the gap between what workers and employers want out of AI on the job. Plus, we'll celebrate a listener's career win!Here's everything we talked about today:"Tracking Trump's New Tariffs on Every Country" from The New York Times"Trump vows 100% tariff on chips, unless companies are building in the U.S." from CNBC"Employers Pull Back on Hiring as Uncertainty Weighs on Plans" from The New York Times"How much say do workers have over the tech employers make them use?" from Marketplace"Providing ChatGPT to the entire U.S. federal workforce" from OpenAI"What workers really want from AI" from Stanford Report We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Apple today plans to announce a new $100 billion investment aimed at boosting the compan's production in the United States. It's the latest in a string of moves by tech companies that could help maintain favor with the president and avoid tariffs. And, the Federal Aviation Administration wants to ease restrictions for drone package deliveries. We'll get into the pros and cons of more drone-friendly skies. Plus, the origins of Pac-Man and a funeral fit for an AI chatbot model.Here's everything we talked about today:"Federal Aviation Administration looks to expand drone package delivery" from ABC News"Video Shows Drone Rescuing Man During Flood in China" from The New York Times "Trump, Apple to Announce Fresh $100 Billion US Investment" from Bloomberg”Trump to Double India's Tariff to 50% Over Russian Oil Purchases” from The New York Times"'It's a reminder of childhood': How Pac-Man changed gaming - and the world" from BBC News"Claude Fans Threw a Funeral for Anthropic's Retired AI Model" from WiredWe love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

The Trump administration has vowed to roll back all sorts of federal regulations, from workplace safety standards to environmental protections. State and local governments have faced pressure from the White House to comply with this agenda. And it's turned them into even more important battlegrounds in the regulatory wars. On the show today, Liane Jollon, executive director of Western Leaders Network, explains how local officials grapple with threats of funding cuts coming from the White House, and how you can get more involved in your state and local politics.Later, listeners share some love for public libraries. And, Steve Pierson, co-host of “The Practivist Pod,” answers the Make Me Smart question. Here's everything we talked about today:"States Ramping Up Regulations Amid Federal Pullback" from Forbes "Trump administration moves to repeal climate ‘holy grail'" from Politico"Texas House issues arrest warrants for Democrats who left state to block congressional redistricting" from The Texas Tribune"Donald Trump wants states and cities to do as they are told" from The Economist"The Documenters Network" from City Bureau We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

President Trump's firing of the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner is not without international precedent. Other countries have gone down the path of meddling with economic data for political gain. We'll get into lessons we can take from the rest of the world. And, can the U.S. continue to be a bastion of scientific research in the wake of deep federal funding cuts? Plus, we'll celebrate one listener's feat of digitizing years of her great grandmother's diaries.Here's everything we talked about today:"Every Scientific Empire Comes to an End" from The Atlantic "Trump to Name New Fed Governor, Jobs Data Head in Coming Days" from Bloomberg"Trump Fired America's Economic Data Collector. History Shows the Perils." from The New York TimesThread on X from Lulu Garcia NavarroWe love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Following a weaker than expected jobs report today, President Trump said he'll fire the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, claiming the data was rigged. It's an unprecedented move with potentially enormous consequences for our understanding of the U.S. economy. We'll explain. And, we'll get into how Trump's tariffs are destabilizing economies across globe. Plus, we'll weigh in on tariff “rebates” and pricier desserts during a round of Half Full/Half Empty!Here's everything we talked about today:"The full list of Trump's tariffs – from India to Taiwan" from The Guardian "‘There's no work now, just debt': Cambodian garment workers face precarious future as US tariffs loom" from The Guardian "Tariffs Bring Disaster In Lesotho, the Country That Trump Says Nobody's Heard Of" from The Wall Street Journal "85 percent of parents worry about tariffs affecting back-to-school cost: Survey" from The Hill "Trump fires commissioner of labor statistics after weaker-than-expected jobs figures slam markets" from CNBC"Big Downward Jobs Revisions Could Be a Warning Sign for the Economy" The New York Times"Private equity tees up to invest in youth sports" from Marketplace"NYC's Luxury Dessert Scene Is Booming and Higher Priced Than Ever" from Eater"Subscription-based children's magazines are revitalizing the genre" from Marketplace"GOP senators reject Trump's pitch to use tariff revenue for ‘rebates'" from The Washington PostWe love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

The Federal Reserve left its benchmark interest rate unchanged after meeting yesterday, despite repeated pressures from President Trump to cut rates. But not everyone at the Fed was happy about it. On the show today, Marketplace's Nancy Marshall-Genzer joins Kimberly to fill us in on the recent debate over lowering interest rates and the political tension surrounding the Fed. Plus, thriving raspberry bushes make us smile.Here's everything we talked about today:"The Federal Reserve leaves interest rates unchanged" from Marketplace "Fed's Powell sticks with patient approach to rate cuts, brushing off Trump's demands" from AP News"Could Trump use Fed HQ renovations as a pretext to fire Powell?" from Marketplace "What's Holding Trump Back From Firing Powell" from The AtlanticWe love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

The United Nations this week warned that “widespread starvation, malnutrition and disease” are contributing to a rise in hunger-related deaths across the Gaza Strip. This comes as the flow of aid into Gaza has slowed in recent months and the price of food has increased drastically. On the show today, Reema shares what life looks like for her family there right now. And, we'll get into the growing international pressure on Israel to lift barriers that organizations have faced in delivering aid.Here's everything we talked about today:"In Gaza, mounting evidence of famine and widespread starvation" from UN News"How Food Supplies in Gaza Have Dwindled Under the New Israeli Aid Plan" from The Wall Street Journal "The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Can Feed Starving Gazans" from The Wall Street Journal "What's Happening in Gaza? FAQ: Hunger and Humanitarian Aid" from World Food Program USA"A famine hasn't been declared in Gaza, but that may not matter, experts say" from ABC News"A conversation with Baba" from “This Is Uncomfortable”We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Along with some other federal agencies, the Trump administration has attempted to gut the Institute of Museum and Library Services. It's a small agency, but public libraries across the country rely on its funding. The loss of federal grants isn't the only thing these community hubs are up against. On the show today, Sam Helmick, president of the American Library Association, explains how public library funding works, the challenges presented by the shift to digital media, and what the culture wars look like on the ground at public libraries. Later, listeners share their thoughts on the new No Tax on Tips and Overtime laws. Plus, a librarian answers the Make Me Smart question.Here's everything we talked about today:"The Trump Administration Is Threatening Libraries, Museums, and Other Nonprofits That Support the Arts, Humanities, and Learning" from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities "Libraries are cutting back on staff and services after Trump's order to dismantle small agency" from AP News"1 big thing: Libraries' e-book battle" from Axios“No Tax on Tips” Is an Industry Plant" from The New Yorker We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Over the weekend, President Trump announced a new trade deal with the EU: 15% tariffs on most goods in exchange for the EU's promise to purchase U.S. energy. But a court case brought by a group of small businesses could derail Trump's tariff agenda. We'll explain what's at stake. Plus, a reminder to get outside and enjoy what nature has to offer. (But stay cool!)Here's everything we talked about today:"EU-US tariffs: five key takeaways from the trade deal" from The Guardian"US and EU reach tariff agreement" from “Marketplace Morning Report” "EU's pledge for $250 billion of US energy imports is delusional" from Reuters "Japan Expects Only 1-2% of $550 Billion US Fund to Be Investment" from Bloomberg"Trump's economy faces historic week on interest rates, trade, jobs and more" from Axios"Trump's trade deals and tariffs are on the chopping block in court. What happens next" from CNBC"Texas buys land for new state parks that will be developed using $1 billion voter-approved fund" from The Texas Tribune "A 100-year-old on a bike? Yes. ‘The right to wind in your hair'" from The Washington Post We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Earlier this week, President Trump announced a “massive” trade deal with Japan. But as Japanese officials clarify some of the terms, it's not clear how concrete the deal actually is. We'll explain. Also, some wealthy Democrats who stand to benefit from Trump's tax cuts are rallying against them. Plus, we'll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!Here's everything we talked about today:"Cracks widen in Japan and US's interpretation of tariff trade deal" from The Financial Times "Trump's Tariffs Are Being Picked Up by Corporate America" from The Wall Street Journal "Rich liberals do not want their big Trump tax cut" from The Washington Post"AI has come for the fragrance industry" from Marketplace "Want to pay down the national debt? The US government will take Venmo" from The Verge "Meme stocks have staged a surprising return" from Marketplace "Restaurants Are Trying to Tariff-Proof The Menu" from EaterWe love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Republicans' newly passed tax and spending law makes good on a promise President Trump made over and over on the campaign trail: No Tax on Tips and Overtime. But the change likely won't have the drastic impact many workers think it will. Marketplace's Kristin Schwab joins us on the show today to break down the nuts and bolts of how the tax breaks will work and how American workers and businesses could be affected. Plus, Kimberly's cat Artax makes an appearance.Here's everything we talked about today:"How the new "No Tax on Tips" and overtime laws work" from Marketplace  "No Tax On Tips And Overtime: What Workers Should Know" from Bankrate"Here's A Tip: ‘No Taxes on Tips' May Be Good Politics But Is Bad Policy" from the Tax Policy Center“An Illustrated Guide to Who Really Benefits From ‘No Tax on Tips'” from The New York TimesJoin us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 Pacific/6:30 Eastern. See you then!

President Trump announced a trade deal with Japan that will impose 15% tariffs on imports. Wall Street is happy, but it could put the United States in an awkward position as the Trump administration continues to seek other deals. Sabri Ben-Achour explains. Also, the federal government is leading a major deregulatory crusade. And they want your input. Plus, quilts and blooming plants make us smile.Here's everything we talked about today:"Trump's Labor Department proposes more than 60 rule changes in a push to deregulate workplaces" from AP News"Trump Strikes Deal With Ally Japan Setting Tariff Rate at 15%" from BloombergListener Jen's quilting Instagram We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Lately, tech companies like Meta have been putting hundreds of billions toward building new data centers to power their AI ambitions. Some communities have been pushing back, however, arguing these facilities strain local resources. But demand for data centers isn't expected to slow down anytime soon. On the show today, Landon Marston, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech, explains what data centers actually are, why they require so much energy and water to operate, and how they can affect nearby communities. Plus, how can data centers become more sustainable?Later, reflections on Medicaid cuts and the power of journaling. And, a listener makes us smarter about “100-year floods.”Here's everything we talked about today:"Their Water Taps Ran Dry When Meta Built Next Door" from The New York Times"Coreweave stock pops after company announces $6 billion AI data center in Pennsylvania" from CNBC"Meta's Zuckerberg pledges hundreds of billions for AI data centers in superintelligence push" from Reuters "How A.I. Is Changing the Way the World Builds Computers" from The New York Times"China Is Putting Data Centers in the Ocean to Keep Them Cool" from Scientific American ”The 100-Year Flood” from the U.S. Geological Survey We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.