Make Me Smart

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Hey Smarties! Make Me Smart is taking a short break while Kimberly and Reema cook up something good for you! In the meantime, we’re bringing you an episode from “Financially Inclined” a podcast from Marketplace that helps families learn more about money. It turns out where you park your money can actually make a difference in the fight agains climate change. Today, host Yanely Espinal speaks with author and financial educator Kara Perez about how you can spend, save and invest your money in a way that aligns with your values, without sacrificing your financial goals. Plus, they share practical tips for how to use your money to make a real impact.

It’s Kai’s last day as a regular co-host of “Make Me Smart” and he’s got a solid rant (and two bleeps). We’ll get into the Trump administration’s push to block international students at Harvard, thretening one of American’s biggest exports: higher education. Plus, we’ll unpack the Supreme Court’s 4-4 split over a separation of church and state case. And, could penguin poop be a tool against global warming? Here’s everything we talked about today: “Supreme Court deadlocks, blocking creation of first religious public school”“Trump Administration Halts Harvard’s Ability to Enroll International Students”“Harvard University Loses Student and Exchange Visitor Program Certification for Pro-Terrorist Conduct”“Stop making cents: US Mint moves forward with plans to kill the penny”“Penguin Poop Could Limit Global Warming’s Impact on Antarctica” “Make Me Smart” is going on a break! Kimberly and Reema will be back with new episodes June 9. We’d love to hear from you while we’re away. Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

The Senate unexpectedly passed the No Tax on Tips Act, one of President Trump’s many campaign promises. We’ll explain what’s actually in the bill and where it goes from here. Plus, the Trump administration has officially accepted a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar for use as Air Force One. We’ll get into the grift of it all. Plus, one man’s search for younger looking skin and a manga story to smile about. Here’s everything we talked about today: "The Senate passed Trump’s No Tax on Tips Act. Here’s what it could mean.""No Tax on Tips Act: What to know about the bill and what comes next""Republicans Think They Have a Way to Blow Up the Filibuster Without Anyone Noticing""A Terrible Idea""A 70-Year-Old Man’s Search for Younger-Looking Skin""Defense Department accepts Qatari luxury jet for Air Force One use""Trump Lectures South African President in Televised Oval Office Ambush""How Manga Megastar Junji Ito Makes Terrifying Series Like ‘Uzumaki’""Shark fisherman uses drone to save teenage girl from rip current at Pensacola Beach" We need your help to reach our fundraiser goal in a moment when public media is threatened like never before. Give now: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

Things aren’t looking so good for the U.S. dollar. Though it’s spent decades as the world’s reigning reserve currency, it’s been weakening lately thanks to tariffs and uncertainty in the U.S. economy. But its declining value, has been in the making for a while, according to Harvard economist and author of the new book, “Our Dollar, Your Problem,” Kenneth Rogoff. “The problem we’re facing is that, independent of this dollar phenomenon, interest rates are going up,” said Rogoff. “And if you’re the world’s biggest debtor, that’s tough.” Rogoff joins Kai and Kimberly to unpack how the greenback became the world’s go-to currency, what a reserve currency actually is, why it’s been losing some of its value lately and what might take its place. Plus, how does military power tie into all this? We’ll also get into some potential cryptocurrency regulation coming down the pipeline and discuss the troubling parallel between Trumpism and Brexit. Then, you tell us what books help you reset – from classic literary romances to an apocalyptic sci-fi tale. And, our intern, Zoha Malik (hi!) shares her answer to the Make Me Smart question. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Our Dollar, Your Problem,”“How Trump Could Dethrone the Dollar”“Why Is The US Dollar Weakening? Trump’s Tariffs Push Dollar Index To 3-Year Low.”“Senate advances landmark crypto bill with Democrats divided”“Senate Advances Crypto Regulation Bill With Bipartisan Support”“Senate advances a major crypto regulation bill on a bipartisan vote”“Brexit’s Failures Could Foreshadow Trump’s. Just Not in the Way You Might Think.” Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Walmart had said it would raise prices in response to tariffs. Then, it got a call from the White House. Now, the retailer says it will swallow some of the costs. This has us wondering: where have all the free market diehards gone? Plus, Kimberly reflects on the tornadoes that hit her hometown of St. Louis, Missouri and explains FEMA’s plan to shift disaster costs to the states. Also? Did the GOP really name their reconciliation bill the “One Big Beautiful Bill?” Here’s everything we talked about today: "Bessent says Walmart will absorb 'some tariffs' after speaking with retailer's CEO""FEMA will shift more disaster recovery responsibilities to the states, acting chief says""Here’s the latest information on Friday’s tornado in St. Louis""Trump's bill advances in rare weekend vote as House conservatives negotiate changes" It’s the final matching opportunity of our May Fundraiser! Double your impact when you give right now: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

On today’s show, Kai makes a special annoucement! But first, Moody’s knocked the United States’ government’s credit rating down a peg below Triple-A. We’ll break down what that actually means and why it may not be as dire as it sounds but still matters a lot for the vibes. Plus, we’ll explain why, even with a majority, the House GOP hasn’t been able to pass its budget bill. And, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty and nerd out on “Star Wars” spin-off shows. Here’s everything we talked about today: "House budget panel rejects GOP megabill amid conservative opposition""Army to place large metal plates on DC streets to protect them from tanks during June parade""U.S. Loses Last Triple-A Credit Rating""Airbnb Is in Midlife Crisis Mode""Why banks still have branches — and why some are motivated to add more""Gen Z's 'conscious unbossing' should be a wake-up call for businesses""Is the Next Great American Novel Being Published on Substack?""Warner’s Streaming Service Has New Name: Its Old One. Meet ‘HBO Max.’" Got a message for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

In today’s show, Kimber-Kai are answering your questions about all the wild things going on in the U.S. economy. Isn’t the 30% tariff rate on China still crazy high? And, how are local governments preparing for potential federal funding cuts? We’ll discuss how states are weighing their next moves, and how the “Trump Slump” has taken shape in California. Then, we’ll get into the Federal Reserve’s wait-and-see tariff strategy. Here’s everything we talked about today: “State of U.S. Tariffs: May 12, 2025”“States, Cities Face Funding Collapse Threat With Trump Cuts”“Higher prices or higher unemployment? The economy could face a no-win dilemma” Join us tomorrow for “Economics on Tap.” The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. Donate during our May Fundraiser and get a classic public radio thank-you gift: tote bags, mugs, t-shirts, hats, and more! Give now: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

On today’s show, Kimberly continues to make us smart about the GOP’s massive tax bill. This time, we’re digging into a small (but important) detail buried in the bill that could have enormous consequences for the regulation of artificial intelligence: a clause that would block states from enforcing AI laws for ten years. We’ll break down what’s at stake. And, the U.S. dollar is getting weaker. We’ll explain what it could mean for the economy. Here’s everything we talked about today: "House panel advances tax portion of Trump agenda bill after marathon meeting""State AI laws would be banned under clause buried in House budget bill""G.O.P. Targets a Medicaid Loophole Used by 49 States to Grab Federal Money""US Is Not Negotiating for Weaker Dollar as Part of Tariff Talks""Republicans push for a decadelong ban on states regulating AI" from The Verge With looming threats to federal funding for public media, we need support from listeners more than ever. Donate now: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

Today we’re ditching the drama on Earth and talking about K2-18b, an exoplanet 120 light-years away. K2-18b recently made headlines after researchers claimed to observe possible “signs of life” in the planet's atmosphere. So, did we find aliens? Michaela Musilova, an astrobiologist and analog astronaut, said it’s too early to tell. On the show today, Musilova breaks down the debate over K2-18b, why better telescopes are needed to find definitive proof of life on another planet, and why President Trump’s proposed funding cuts to NASA could disrupt this search. Plus, what’s it like to be an analog astronaut, and what do they actually do? Then, why a healthy reading diet contains both “broccoli” and “chocolate pie” books. And, Jessamine Chan, author of “The School for Good Mothers,” answers the Make Me Smart question. Here’s everything we talked about today: "Astronomers Detect a Possible Signature of Life on a Distant Planet""Does exoplanet K2-18b host alien life or not? Here's why the debate continues""Experts alarmed as White House proposes 'largest single-year cut to NASA in American history'""NASA’s Don Pettit Shot 220 Days of Amazing Photos From the I.S.S.""What’s in Trump and Republicans’ giant tax and immigration bill?""Republican Tax Plan Boosts SALT Deduction, Ends Green-Energy Breaks" from The Wall Street Journal Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

House Republicans’ newly released tax plan includes trillions in tax breaks. But those tax cuts will come at a cost. We’ll get into it. And, Apple plans to raise iPhone prices but won’t point fingers at President Trump’s tariffs. We’ll unpack how all the tariff chaos could lead to elevated prices, no matter what they actually cost companies. Plus, sci-fi escapism and Pope Leo XIV’s love of baseball make us smile. Here’s everything we talked about today: "Exclusive | Apple Considers Raising iPhone Prices, Without Blaming Tariffs""With China tariffs on hold, will Americans stop stockpiling goods?""House GOP unleashes sweeping tax legislation""House tax writers eye SALT deduction cap rejected by key lawmakers last week""Why Tolkien thought "sub-creation" was the secret to great fantasy and science fiction""Pope Leo asks fan 'Sox or Cubs?' as he signs a baseball" from The Chicago Sun-Times Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

As the Trump administration heads into a weekend of trade talks with Chinese officials, the President is floating a new tariff rate on Chinese imports: 80%. While it’s much lower than the current tariff rate of 145%, it’s still far too high for many businesses. We’ll get into it. And, a recent legal win for Epic Games could shake up Apple’s App Store. Plus, we’ll weigh in on mass producing orchids and going cashless during a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: "DOJ, FTC open inquiry into the concert industry""Fortnite applies to launch on Apple's App Store after Epic Games court win""How Apple Created a Legal Mess When It Skirted Judge’s Ruling""Ahead of China-US talks, Trump says 80% tariff 'seems right'""Revenge RTO: Workers are coming in late, leaving early and stealing snacks as they find small ways to get back at their bosses""Trump Revives Push for Higher Taxes on the Rich""How the Exotic Orchid Became a Mass-Market Commodity""The drawbacks of an increasingly cashless society" from Marketplace Stand up for Marketplace and public media during this critical time. Donate today: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

Following Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs, the United States has now struck a trade deal (sorta) with the United Kingdom. We’ll get into it. Plus, childcare costs a lot – and in some places, more than rent. Then, we’ll smile at the unexpected joy of “swole culture.” And what if, instead of sports metaphors, we used makeup lingo at work? Here’s everything we talked about today: “Trump unveils United Kingdom trade deal, first since 'reciprocal' tariff pause”“U.S., Britain strike first major trade deal of Trump tariff era”“Sending 2 Kids to Daycare Costs More Than Rent in Most Major U.S. Metros”“Head Start avoids Trump’s cuts, but advocates are ready to defend it: ‘There’s too much good in this’”“Will you be my nanny?”“Life of the Mother”“Finding Strength in a Bigger Body”“How one writer quit dieting and discovered her strength through weightlifting” 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 episode: Marketplace’s Reema Khrais joins Kimberly to discuss two stories from opposite ends of the housing spectrum – cuts to rental assistance programs and the soaring cost of starter homes. Then, Kimberly explains yet another reason why the rest of the world is giving the U.S. major side-eye. And we’ll smile about a slimy substance that might help keep microplastics at bay and parrots connecting over Facetime. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Proposed cuts to housing programs could affect millions, experts warn”“Where starter homes cost at least $1 million”This Is Uncomfortable Season 11“You Have a Message From Taiwan”“Why the Asian currency blowup matters”“Scientists Taught Pet Parrots to Video Call Each Other—and the Birds Loved It”“Okra and fenugreek extracts remove most microplastics from water, finds research” Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

So far, President Trump’s “drill, baby, drill,” agenda has proven to be a sharp turn from Biden-era climate initiatives, including the landmark spending bill the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). And thanks to President Trump’s attempts to claw back control over IRA funds, as well as his recent budget proposal which drastically cuts climate spending, the future of America’s fast-growing clean energy economy looks uncertain. “The world is switching to electric vehicles, the world is switching to solar and wind,” said Christopher Knittel, economics professor and associate dean for climate and sustainability at the MIT Sloan School of Management. “And the less we do domestically, the less capability we build domestically to provide those clean energy resources, the worse off our industries will be in the future.” Knittel explains President Trump’s efforts to phase out Biden-era climate initiatives, why some Republicans are reluctant to get rid of the IRA entirely, and why the U.S. getting left behind in a world committed to decarbonization poses a threat. Plus, the new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told President Trump that Canada is “not for sale” in a meeting earlier today. And, the REAL ID deadline is coming in hot, though not all states seem equally prepared. Then, we’ll hear about how Seattle businesses are showing love for Canadian visitors and a listener share’s her daughter’s frustrations with “shrinkflation.” Here’s everything we talked about today: - Trump administration cancels clean energy grants as it prioritizes fossil fuels by AP News - What Trump's budget cuts could mean for the environment by AP News - The Race to the Top in Six Charts and Not Too Many Numbers from RMI - Republicans haggle over green tax credits as battle lines deepen from Politico - How We Survive from Marketplace - Trump’s trade war with Canada has backfired on America. Now he has a crucial meeting with Mark Carney from CNN Business - Trump knocks Canada ahead of Carney meeting by The Hill - @carlquintanilla.bsky.social‬ on Bluesky - What you need to know about the REAL ID requirements for air travel from NBC News - Real ID deadline is weeks away and most states aren't fully compliant yet from CBS News - Seattle Restaurants Are Offering Canadian Tourists a Discount, and an Apology by Eater Seattle Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

The Trump administration is hoping tariffs will spur companies to bring manufacturing back to the United States. But a new survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas found that most companies are planning to deal with tariffs another way. (Spoiler alert: we totally saw this coming!) We’ll also discuss how the Department of Homeland Security is hoping to cut the cost of mass deportations. Plus, did Trump get the idea to reopen Alcatraz from a movie? Here’s everything we talked about today: -Post on Bluesky from Carl Quintanilla -"Tariff Politics; Rent-Stabilized Tenants May See a Rent Hike; Surviving Wall Street; Celebrating NYC's Mexican Communities" from The Brian Lehrer Show -"DHS Announces Historic Travel Assistance and Stipend for Voluntary Self-Deportation" from Department of Homeland Security -"US offers $1,000 stipend to encourage migrants to self-deport" from Reuters -"Mass Deportation: Devastating Costs to America, Its Budget and Economy" from American Immigration Council -"Trump Seems to Have Decided to Reopen Alcatraz Because of a Movie" from The New Republic -"Trump Says He Wants to Reopen Alcatraz as a Functioning Prison" from The New York Times -"Met Gala 2025: Highlights from exhibit of Black style and designers" from AP News -​"'Tailoring Black Style': Dandyism shines at the 2025 Met Gala" from NPR Got a question for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

On today’s episode, Kimberly joins "Economics on Tap" from the Toronto airport. We’ll unpack President Trump’s elimination of a tariff loophole known as the de minimus exemption that went into effect today, meaning low-cost shipments will no longer enter the United States tariff-free. Without it, Americans could start to feel some serious tariff pain. And, President Trump is renewing threats to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty. Here’s everything we talked about today: -"Trump's tariffs come for fast fashion, and the blowback could be fierce." from Politico -"Harvard President Says Any Move to Revoke Tax-Exempt Status Would Be ‘Highly Illegal’" from The Wall Street Journal -"Trump aims to cut $6 billion from NASA budget, shifting $1 billion to Mars-focused missions" from CNBC -"Visit this store for a free iris scan to ‘prove’ you’re human, not AI" from The Washington Post -"MoviePass’ Next Big Bet: A Fantasy Box Office App" from The Hollywood Reporter -"A little retirement, as a treat" from Marketplace Got a question for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

This week, President Trump acknowledged his tariffs were resulting in costlier items in the U.S., but maintained his position that China was taking the majority of the heat. If people can’t afford to buy as much, might that be a recipe for recession? We’ll discuss, and answer a listener’s question on what exactly is a recession. Plus, how uncertain economic conditions might make someone reconsider a luxury cheese purchase. Here’s everything we talked about today: - Recession defined by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) - “Trump says US kids may get '2 dolls instead of 30,' but China will suffer more in a trade war” from the Associated Press - WATCH: “Trump says kids may get '2 dolls instead of 30' because of trade war with China” from the Associated Press - “Trump, on Tariffs, Says ‘Maybe the Children Will Have 2 Dolls Instead of 30’” from The New York Times - “Spending by American companies on computers in Q1 grew at the fastest pace since 1983” by Marketplace - Check out the Canadian cheese shop Kimberly mentions in this episode Join us tomorrow for “Economics on Tap.” The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

The Commerce Department reported the U.S. economy contracted by 0.3% in the first quarter of this year. We’ll break down the GDP math formula and dig into what the latest report says about where the US economy may be headed. And, should businesses be transparent about the impact of tariffs on prices? A nixed plan from Amazon serves as a cautionary tale of the political risks. Plus, feeling stressed these days? Cow cuddling and bee therapy might help. Here’s everything we talked about today: -"Trump blames Biden after GDP shrinks in first quarter, says growth will 'take a while'" from CNBC -"Businesses weigh how much to tell customers about tariffs' impact on price" from Marketplace -"Trump-Bezos call sets stage for tense earnings report from Amazon" from CNBC -"Trump vs. Amazon’s Brilliant Tariff Idea" from The Wall Street Journal -"The Americans Fled Vietnam 50 Years Ago. I Visited the Buildings They Left Behind." from The New York Times "Anxious about the world? Cow cuddling or bee buzzing might help ease your stress" from The Denver Post Got a question for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

After declaring victory in yesterday’s Canadian election, Prime Minister Mark Carney said the “old relationship” with the United States is over. Over the past few months, President Donald Trump’s on-and-off tariffs and repeated annexation threats have caused Canadians to reconsider the United States as its leading trading partner and ally. But Patricia Goff, professor of political science at Wilfrid Laurier University, said the idea of disentangling the two economies is unrealistic. On the show today, Goff explains how Trump’s tariffs and annexation threats influenced the Canadian election, how Canadian industries are navigating the trade war, and what this all could mean for the future of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. Plus, we’ll hear a pitch for a new “Make Me Smart”-themed rear window sticker. And, what one psychologist got wrong about burnout. Here’s everything we talked about today: "Trump knows exactly what he just triggered in Canada" from CBC News "Liberal Bruce Fanjoy topples Pierre Poilievre in Carleton" from CBC News "Canada-U.S. Relations Continue to Reach Lows Over Tariffs and Annexation Threats" from The New York Times "Mike Myers Is Ready to Defend Canada" from The New York Times "Canada says its friendship with the US is ‘over.’ Now what?" From Politico "The future of the USMCA" from the Peterson Institute for International Economics We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.