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 [email protected], or leave a voice message at 508-U-B-SMART.