Make Me Smart

Every day this week, we’ll take a look at the ripple effects of the budget reconciliation bill moving through Congress that would enact President Donald Trump’s agenda. Today, we focus on the bill’s impact on health care and social programs. We explain how the Senate’s version of the reconciliation bill cuts Medicaid more aggressively than the House of Representatives’ previous version. Then, we hear from a listener about how the bill’s Medicaid cuts could affect the hospitals they work with, particularly in underserved rural areas. Plus, we answer a listener question about how states would absorb the costs of the bill’s federal funding cuts. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Senate Bill Would Make Deep Cuts to Medicaid, Setting Up Fight With House” from The New York Times“Hundreds of rural hospitals at risk if Medicaid cuts pass, Democrats say” from Healthcare Dive“2025 Budget Impacts: House Bill Would Cut Assistance and Raise Costs for Seniors” from The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities“GOP bill would have states picking up more of the tab for programs like Medicaid and SNAP” from Marketplace“How Would Potential Federal Budget Cuts Impact State Budgets?” from Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center“What are the Implications of the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill for Hospitals?” from KFF Got a question for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2025

Today, we take a deep dive into the provisions affecting small businesses and taxes in the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which aims to enact President Donald Trump’s agenda. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives in May, and the U.S. Senate released its proposed version of the bill on Monday. The Senate’s draft upheld many policies from the House of Representative’s version, including cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. We explain how the ripple effects of those cuts could affect small businesses such as grocery stores and farmers. Also, we dig into the implications of the Senate’s proposal to make permanent several business tax breaks. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Here’s what’s in the Senate GOP’s version of Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’" from The Hill“Senate Republicans seek tougher Medicaid cuts and lower SALT deduction in Trump’s big bill” from The Associated Press“Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: A comparison for businesses” from the Internal Revenue Service“The Farm Safety Net: A Closer Look at ARC and PLC” from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Got a question for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2025

Every day this week, we’re going to take a closer look at the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which aims to enact President Donald Trump’s agenda. It proposes a tax cut and increased spending for border security and the military. It also includes cuts to health, nutrition, education and clean energy programs. Today, we explain the rules around what provisions can go into reconciliation bills, and where the bill currently stands in the legislation process now. Plus, we answer questions from listeners on how the bill could affect their student loans and access to higher education. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Senate sidesteps parliamentarian, widens reach of CRA” from Roll Call“Republicans face critical week on Trump megabill” from The Hill“The Senate is assessing the "Big Beautiful Bill" line by line to eliminate non-budgetary measures” from Marketplace“Senate Republican education plan may trigger ‘avalanche of student loan defaults,’ expert says” from CNBC Got a question for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2025

The economic position of the baby boomer generation has long been the envy of younger ones in the United States. But the tides may be turning as the Trump administration seeks deep cuts to social benefits that older Americans rely on. We’ll get into it. And, Kimberly joins the show from the National Press Club in Washington D.C., to make us smarter about how the GOP’s reconciliation bill could impact the richest and poorest Americans. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: "GOP tax bill would cost poor Americans, boost highest earners, CBO says" from AP News "Megabill would cost poorest households $1,600 a year, boost richest by $12K, CBO predicts" from Politico "Baby Boomers’ Luck Is Running Out" from The Atlantic"Why is everyone so crazy for Labubu toys?" from Marketplace"Booming sales of the latest Nintendo Switch bode well for the gaming industry" from Marketplace"You’ve Heard of Fine Wine. Now Meet Fine Water" from The New York Times"A federal judge ruled AI chatbots don't have free speech protections — for now" from Marketplace  Got a question for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2025

More than 100 years after the Tulsa Race Massacre, the Oklahoma city’s mayor recently announced a $105 million reparations package to address the Massacre’s lasting impact. Marketplace’s Mitchell Hartman joins us on the show today to explain how we got here, and more from his reporting on economic injustice in Tulsa’s Greenwood neighborhood. Plus, we’ll get into what the new reparations package could mean for Black Tulsans and the push for reparations in other cities. Here’s everything we talked about today: "The Tulsa Race Massacre destroyed Black lives and wealth. What's owed to survivors' descendants?" from Marketplace"Black Tulsans still feel effects of Greenwood neighborhood's "second destruction'" from Marketplace "$105 Million Reparations Package for Tulsa Race Massacre Unveiled by Mayor" from The New York Times"$105 million trust to be built for 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre reparations, city says" from Public Radio Tulsa We want to hear from you. Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

President Trump announced a new trade deal with China after days of negotiations. Here’s the thing: Trump’s tariffs on China will stay the same. So what did the two countries actually agree to? We’ll get into it. And, after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired a panel of experts that advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on vaccines, doctors and insurance companies are wondering who they should look to for guidance. Plus, a life-sized stuffed moose on Capitol Hill makes us smile. Here’s everything we talked about today: "Trump Hails Progress With China, but Details Are Sketchy"  from The New York Times"RFK Jr. just fired the government’s vaccine experts. What do you do now?" from Vox"Former CDC director reacts to RFK Jr.’s firing of entire vaccine advisory panel" from PBS News"If you move a moose through the Senate" from Roll Call"An 84-Year-Old Woman on a Pony Inspires Awe—and Concern—in the U.K." from The Wall Street Journal We want to hear from you. Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2025

For decades, going to college has been seen as a reliable path to good jobs and economic success in the United States. But a recent Indeed survey reported that over half of Gen Z respondents beg to differ. As tuition prices continue to rise and the Trump administration takes aim at higher education institutions, is the way we view college changing? On the show today, Bryan Alexander, a higher education writer and senior scholar at Georgetown University, explains why college is still a worthy investment for most students, why more people are considering certificate programs and technical schools, and how President Trump’s attacks on elite universities are a risk to higher education as a whole. Then, Kimberly breaks down the difference between the reconciliation bill and government spending bills in Congress. And, Casey Johnston, author of “A Physical Education,” answers the Make Me Smart question. Here’s everything we talked about today: "Report: 51% of Gen Z Views Their College Degree as a Waste of Money" from Indeed  "Against college for all: the AFT president" from Bryan Alexander "Americans Are Losing Faith in the Value of College. Whose Fault Is That?" from The New York Times"Good Jobs Project" from Georgetown University"House considers Trump cuts as Senate Republicans work on reconciliation bill" from Roll Call"Deal or no deal? Inside reconciliation and gov’t funding" from Punchbowl News"A muted backlash to Trump’s new travel ban" from Politico "Have Americans grown numb? Trump’s new travel ban met with muted reaction" from MSNBC"Finding Strength in a Bigger Body" from The Cut  Got a question about the GOP’s reconciliation bill? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2025

President Donald Trump deployed California National Guard troops to Los Angeles on Sunday, following demonstrations over the weekend protesting the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. The decision was made without California Governor Gavin Newsom’s approval, and the state is now suing the “illegal and immoral” move. We get into all the potential ramifications of the uptick in immigration raids. Then, we discuss how people in other countries have coped with anti-democratic forces in their own communities. Finally, we smile at the original cast of “Hamilton” reuniting for the musical’s 10-year anniversary. Here’s everything we talked about today: “The Beautiful Danger of Normal Life During an Autocratic Rise” from The New York Times“The 78th Annual Tony Awards® | Hamilton 10 Year Anniversary Performance” from CBS“The original cast of ‘Hamilton’ reunites on the Tonys stage with rousing performance” from CNN“When to see June’s full strawberry moon on Tuesday night” from The Washington Post Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 9 June 2025

From our sponsor: Imagine if you could ask someone anything you wanted about their finances. On “What We Spend,” people from across the country and across the financial spectrum are opening their wallets — and their lives — to tell you everything: What they make, what they want, and — for one week — what they spend. “What We Spend” is available wherever you get your podcasts!

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2025

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” from The Washington Post“Trump Administration Halts Harvard’s Ability to Enroll International Students” from The New York Times“Harvard University Loses Student and Exchange Visitor Program Certification for Pro-Terrorist Conduct” from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security“Stop making cents: US Mint moves forward with plans to kill the penny” from AP News“Penguin Poop Could Limit Global Warming’s Impact on Antarctica” from Bloomberg “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 [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2025

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." from The Washington Post"No Tax on Tips Act: What to know about the bill and what comes next" from The Hill  "Republicans Think They Have a Way to Blow Up the Filibuster Without Anyone Noticing" from Slate"A Terrible Idea" from Just Security  "A 70-Year-Old Man’s Search for Younger-Looking Skin"  from The Wall Street Journal"Defense Department accepts Qatari luxury jet for Air Force One use" from The Washington Post"Trump Lectures South African President in Televised Oval Office Ambush" from The New York Times"How Manga Megastar Junji Ito Makes Terrifying Series Like ‘Uzumaki’" from The New York Times"Shark fisherman uses drone to save teenage girl from rip current at Pensacola Beach" from CBS News  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

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2025

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,” by Kenneth Rogoff from Yale University Press“How Trump Could Dethrone the Dollar” from Foreign Affairs“Why Is The US Dollar Weakening? Trump’s Tariffs Push Dollar Index To 3-Year Low.” from Forbes“Senate advances landmark crypto bill with Democrats divided” from Politico“Senate Advances Crypto Regulation Bill With Bipartisan Support” from The New York Times“Senate advances a major crypto regulation bill on a bipartisan vote” from NBC News“Brexit’s Failures Could Foreshadow Trump’s. Just Not in the Way You Might Think.” from The New York Times Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2025

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" from Fox Business"FEMA will shift more disaster recovery responsibilities to the states, acting chief says" from PBS News"Here’s the latest information on Friday’s tornado in St. Louis" from STLRP"Trump's bill advances in rare weekend vote as House conservatives negotiate changes" from NPR It’s the final matching opportunity of our May Fundraiser! Double your impact when you give right now: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2025

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" from Politico "Army to place large metal plates on DC streets to protect them from tanks during June parade" from WTOP News "U.S. Loses Last Triple-A Credit Rating" from The Wall Street Journal "Airbnb Is in Midlife Crisis Mode" from Wired"Why banks still have branches — and why some are motivated to add more" from Marketplace"Gen Z's 'conscious unbossing' should be a wake-up call for businesses" from Business Insider​​"Is the Next Great American Novel Being Published on Substack?" from The New Yorker "Warner’s Streaming Service Has New Name: Its Old One. Meet ‘HBO Max.’" from The Wall Street Journal   Got a message for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2025

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” from The Budget Lab at Yale“States, Cities Face Funding Collapse Threat With Trump Cuts” by Bloomberg“Higher prices or higher unemployment? The economy could face a no-win dilemma” by 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. 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 

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2025

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" from The Hill"State AI laws would be banned under clause buried in House budget bill" from Stat News"G.O.P. Targets a Medicaid Loophole Used by 49 States to Grab Federal Money" from The New York Times"US Is Not Negotiating for Weaker Dollar as Part of Tariff Talks" from Bloomberg"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 

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2025

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" from The New York Times"Does exoplanet K2-18b host alien life or not? Here's why the debate continues" from Space "Experts alarmed as White House proposes 'largest single-year cut to NASA in American history'" from Space "NASA’s Don Pettit Shot 220 Days of Amazing Photos From the I.S.S." from The New York Times "What’s in Trump and Republicans’ giant tax and immigration bill?" from The Washington Post"Republican Tax Plan Boosts SALT Deduction, Ends Green-Energy Breaks" from The Wall Street Journal  Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2025

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" from The Wall Street Journal "With China tariffs on hold, will Americans stop stockpiling goods?" from Marketplace "House GOP unleashes sweeping tax legislation" from Politico "House tax writers eye SALT deduction cap rejected by key lawmakers last week" from The Hill"Why Tolkien thought "sub-creation" was the secret to great fantasy and science fiction" from Big Think "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 [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2025

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" from The L.A. Times "Fortnite applies to launch on Apple's App Store after Epic Games court win" from CNBC "How Apple Created a Legal Mess When It Skirted Judge’s Ruling" from The New York Times "Ahead of China-US talks, Trump says 80% tariff 'seems right'" from Reuters"Revenge RTO: Workers are coming in late, leaving early and stealing snacks as they find small ways to get back at their bosses" from Fortune"Trump Revives Push for Higher Taxes on the Rich" from The New York Times"How the Exotic Orchid Became a Mass-Market Commodity" from The Wall Street Journal "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

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2025

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” by CNBC“U.S., Britain strike first major trade deal of Trump tariff era” by Axios“Sending 2 Kids to Daycare Costs More Than Rent in Most Major U.S. Metros” from Redfin“Head Start avoids Trump’s cuts, but advocates are ready to defend it: ‘There’s too much good in this’” by The GuardianLISTEN: “Will you be my nanny?” from “This Is Uncomfortable” “Life of the Mother” by ProPublica“Finding Strength in a Bigger Body” from The Cut“How one writer quit dieting and discovered her strength through weightlifting” by NPR Join us tomorrow for “Economics on Tap.” The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2025

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” from The Washington Post“Where starter homes cost at least $1 million” by AxiosThis Is Uncomfortable Season 11 from Marketplace“You Have a Message From Taiwan” by The Wall Street Journal“Why the Asian currency blowup matters” from Axios“Scientists Taught Pet Parrots to Video Call Each Other—and the Birds Loved It” from Smithsonian Magazine“Okra and fenugreek extracts remove most microplastics from water, finds research” on Phys.org  Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

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 [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2025

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 [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2025

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 [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2025

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 [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025

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 [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

On the show today, Kimberly joins us from an Ontario polling station on Canada’s election day. We’ll get into how President Trump’s trade war has shaped the federal election and may boost voter turnout. Plus, what Canadians are saying about boycotting American products and canceling their U.S. vacations. Here’s everything we talked about today: "Canadians vote today after fierce campaign shaped by Trump" from CBC News "Canada votes in an election upended by Trump. Here’s what to know." from The Washington Post  "Canada’s Political Landscape Upended by Trump, Trudeau and Tariffs" from The New York Times Got a question for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2025

Americans expect inflation to rise to 6.5% this year according to the University of Michigan’s latest consumer sentiment survey. That’s the highest outlook since 1981. We’ll explain why those high inflation expectations could be keeping Federal Reserve Chair Powell up at night. And, the deal filmmaker Ryan Coogler made with Warner Bros. to make his latest horror movie “Sinners” is anything but ordinary. Could it shake up the Hollywood studio system? "Trump administration reverses abrupt terminations of foreign students’ US visa registrations" from Politico "Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners' isn't just scaring audiences. It's scaring Hollywood." from MSNBC "Inflation expectations remain at highest level since 1981 even after Trump's 90-day tariff pause"  "Pickle, a Fashion App, Lets Strangers Borrow Your Clothes" from The Cut "Subtitling Your Life" from The New Yorker "Is community fact-checking the future of social media moderation?" from Marketplace "The $20,000 American-made electric pickup with no paint, no stereo, and no touchscreen" from The Verge Got a question for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

Today, we’re answering questions from our listeners about everything going on in this economy (we know, it’s a lot). Like, whatever happened to that bipartisan bill that would pass authority over tariffs back to Congress? We’ll get into the status of the legislation and how states are jumping into the fight. Plus, we’ll discuss the legality of the Trump administration’s funding freezes and how foreign trade zones are helping some companies avoid sky-high tariffs. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Congress gave presidents power over tariffs. They could aways take it back” from CNN Politics “12 States Sue Trump Over His Tariffs” by The New York Times “Trump says he has 'no intention' of firing Fed Chair Jerome Powell” from AP News “If Trump wants rate cuts, he would likely need to replace the Fed's full board along with Powell” by CNBC “How Congress — and not the president — controls how taxpayer money is spent” from Marketplace “Trump tariffs lead to surge of companies parking imports in tax-free 'foreign trade zones’” from CNBC “How Foreign Trade Zones In The U.S. Came Into Existence” by NPR Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2025

The Overton Window is a concept that helps explain how the range of policies considered politically acceptable shifts over time. But have you heard of the “Ryssdal Window"? We’ll explain how it relates to what’s happening in the markets right now as president Trump hints at a possible change of heart on China tariffs. Plus, the FDA suspended a milk quality testing program. With less federal oversight, can private industries regulate themselves? And, the physics behind a great cup of coffee. Here’s everything we talked about today: "White House Considers Slashing China Tariffs to De-Escalate Trade War" from The Wall Street Journal "FDA milk quality testing program suspended after job cuts" from The Hill "‘Crazy’: Forest Service cuts ignite fear, fury over wildfire risks" from Politico "The Physics of Perfect Pour-Over Coffee" from The New York Times "Hegseth orders makeup studio installed at Pentagon" from CBS News Got a question for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

Yes — Obamacare is before the Supreme Court, again. This time, the case centers on the legality of an advisory task force. Experts worry it could spell the end of an ACA mandate requiring insurers to cover certain preventative care services at no cost. But first: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is caught up in another Signal group chat scandal. Plus, Paul Revere wasn’t the only midnight rider to warn that the British were coming. Here’s everything we talked about today: "‘An amateur person’: GOP Rep. Bacon says Hegseth should go" from Politico "Obamacare returns to SCOTUS, with preventive care on the line" from Politico "Court to hear challenge to ACA preventative-care coverage" from Scotus Blog "Kristi Noem’s Purse, With Security Badge and $3,000, Is Stolen" from The New York Times "Paul Revere Wasn't the Only Midnight Rider Who Dashed Through the Darkness to Warn the Patriots That the British Were Coming" from Smithsonian Magazine "April 18, 2025" from Heather Cox Richardson Got a question for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2025

Stop us if you’ve heard this before: We’re in an unprecedented economic moment. But this time really is different. America’s place in the global economy is shifting. And what happens next is going to matter for businesses, consumers and you. Today, Kai Ryssdal’s popping into your feed with special coverage and reporting from Marketplace to help you make sense of the scale and scope of the economic change in real time. We count on you, our listeners, to help cover the cost of the reporting that you rely on. If you can, please donate to help keep Marketplace programming free and accessible for all.

Transcribed - Published: 20 April 2025

Undocumented workers aren’t the only immigrants being targeted by the Donald Trump administration. Green card holders are facing deportation threats as well. We’ll discuss the far-reaching implications of Trump’s immigration crackdown, from the labor market to higher education in the United States. Plus, what Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s deportation case could mean for due process. And, we’ll weigh in on crunchy foods and living underwater during a round of Half Full/Half Empty. Here’s everything we talked about today: "Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Expands to Green Card Holders" from The New York Times Tweet from the White House "Colleges Fear Decline in International Student Enrollment" from Inside Higher Ed "A Young Generation Goes to Work for Mom and Dad Inc." from The Wall Street Journal "How crunch took over our taste buds" from Fast Company "The Techno-Utopian Seasteaders Who Want to Colonize the Ocean" from The New York Times "Fox Nation Plans Game Show About Isolated People Guessing What Trump Did In His First 90 Days" from The Hollywood Reporter Got a question for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

Hey Smarties! Today we’re sharing an episode from our friends over at “How We Survive,” Marketplace’s climate solutions podcast. This season, host Amy Scott and the team dig into the rise of environmental, social and governance-based investing, or ESG, and the right wing backlash that followed. In this episode, the story of ESG’s start revolves around some unexpected players: rabbis, nuns and other faith-based investors.

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

In over a hundred years, no president has ever fired the chair of the Federal Reserve … yet! President Donald Trump says he could show Jerome Powell the door, even though Powell says he’s not going anywhere. We’ll explain why it might all come down to the Supreme Court. Plus: the economic conditions that led to the American Revolution. And, a smile-worthy photo reminds us it's never too late to try new things! Here’s everything we talked about today: “Trump: If I ask Powell to leave, ‘he’ll be out of there’” by The Hill Humphrey's Executor v. United States from Oyez “Recreating Paul Revere's ride from Boston 250 years later, 2 men prepare for landmark journey” from CBS News Boston “A Hall of Fame baseball player picked up photography in retirement. He captured one of the defining shots of the Masters.” by Business Insider Join us tomorrow for “Economics on Tap.” The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

Since President Donald Trump took office, his administration has ignored court rulings on a range of issues from press access to deportations. Now, a federal judge might hold him in criminal contempt of court. We’ll unpack the Zeno’s paradox of constitutional crises. Plus, where luxury goods actually come from and why you may want to think twice before buying one. And if you’re looking to zone out, turn on the “Great Moose Migration.” Here’s everything we talked about today: @kyledcheney.bsky.social‬ on Bluesky “What happens if a president and the federal government fail to follow a judge's orders?” by NBC News J.G.G., et al., v. Donald J. Trump, et al. from the United States District Court for the District of Columbia  “What to do in case of a constitutional crisis” by CNN “How is civil society responding to the US constitutional crisis?” from the Brookings Institution “Trump’s China tariffs spark viral TikTok work-arounds” from Fast Company “'Chinese Warehouse' TikTok Videos Urge Americans to Buy Directly From Them” from Newsweek “Ignore advice to buy direct from Chinese factories with DHGate, others” from The Washington Post “The ‘Great Moose Migration’ Livestream Captivates Sweden” from The New York Times Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2025

Happy Tax Day, folks. While you’re hitting “Submit” on your returns, lawmakers in Washington are negotiating over what next year’s Tax Day could look like. Congress is aiming to pack President Donald Trump’s promised tax cuts into one behemoth reconciliation bill. But Caitlin Reilly, tax and economics reporter at CQ Roll Call, said there’s a long way to go before making these promises a reality. On the show today, Reilly explains why Congress is pursuing “reconciliation,” the accounting magic lawmakers are using to make certain tax cuts look free, and how the House and Senate will square two drastically different mandates for spending cuts. Then, we’ll look into how Boeing is getting caught up in the U.S.-China trade war. And, a tax professor answers the “Make Me Smart” question. Here’s everything we talked about today: "House Republicans Passed a New Budget. Here's What's in It." from The New York Times "Senate GOP passes budget plan, setting up a critical next phase for Trump agenda" from NPR "House GOP adopts budget framework, paving the way for Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’" from Politico "'Current policy' debate dogs budget reconciliation efforts" from Roll Call "Your cheat sheet to Congress’ budget fight" from PBS Newshour "China Goes After Boeing, Tells Airlines Not to Order New Aircraft From U.S. Jet Maker" from The Wall Street Journal We want to hear your answer to the “Make Me Smart” question. Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

Nearly a decade after Brexit, the British economy is still feeling the fallout. Now, President Donald Trump seems to be pulling from a similar playbook — with tariffs that could reshape the U.S. economy in eerily familiar ways. (Shocker, we know!) But first: Trump threatens to send Americans to prisons in El Salvador. The constitutional crisis alarm bells are ringing. Plus, poop in space is a bigger problem than you might think. Here’s everything we talked about today: "Trump again threatens to send Americans to prisons in El Salvador" from Axios "Fox Nation Plans Game Show About Isolated People Guessing What Trump Did In His First 90 Days" from The Hollywood Reporter "Trump admin shrinks federal Medicaid funding available to states" from Axios "HHS Lays Off All Full-Time Cruise Ship Health Inspectors Amid Illness Outbreaks: Report" from The Huffington Post "NASA offers $3M in competition to recycle human poop in space" from UPI "How Brexit, a Startling Act of Economic Self-Harm, Foreshadowed Trump’s Tariffs" from The New York Times "Meet the Comedian Putting Trump Voter Regret to Music" from Rolling Stone Got a question for our hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2025

Amid this week’s tariff turmoil, U.S. stocks tumbled, U.S. Treasurys sold off, and the U.S. dollar weakened. Kai explains what this triple sell-off could mean for the future of the American economy. And, is the era of cheap stuff in America over? Donald Trump administration officials are arguing it’s a good thing. We’ll get into it. Plus, we’ll weigh in on penguin memes and using public phones during a round of Half Full/Half Empty. Here’s everything we talked about today: "Treasury Secretary Bessent says the American dream is not about 'access to cheap goods'" from CNBC "Cheap Consumer Goods Are the American Dream, Actually" from Bloomberg "The Trump administration says cheap goods aren’t part of the American dream. They’re wrong." from Vox "The bond market is acting weird. It spooked Trump" from CNN Business "After Trump’s Tariffs, Stocks Plunged but Penguin Memes Ticked Up" from The New York Times "More students opt for certificates as undergraduate degree earners decline" from Marketplace "A Frenzy at Trader Joe’s: ‘Everyone’s Here for the Tote Bags’" from The New York Times "The Masters offers public phones as alternatives to cellphones. Here's what attendees think" from Fast Company Got a question for our hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

Today, it’s all YOU! We’re diving into the mailbag to play your voicemails, read your comments, and answer your questions after a wild week of tariff insanity. We’ll hear from YOU on how you’ve been riding the economic uncertainty. Plus, is Trump’s tariff pause, really a pause? And a listener shares what it’s been like teaching elementary students about tariffs. Here’s everything we talked about today: “US-China Trade War Tariffs: An Up-to-Date Chart” from the Peterson Institute for International Economics “The Fiscal and Economic Effects of the Revised April 9 Tariffs” from The Budget Lab at Yale Million Bazillion by Marketplace Join us tomorrow for “Economics on Tap.” The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025

The world woke up to a very different economy today. Then, President Trump announced a 90-day pause on his latest round of tariffs. The news was annouced as the official in charge of U.S. trade policy was testifying on Capitol Hill. We’ll break down the trade official’s tense exchange with lawmakers and the real consequences of this week’s market madness. Plus, we’ll laugh so we don’t cry about the economy. Here’s everything we talked about today: "U.S. Trade Rep. Testifies on Pres. Trump's Trade & Tariff Agenda" from CSPAN "Live updates: Trump orders 90-day pause on new tariffs except for China" from CNN Politics Bluesky post from Jeva Lange How are you coping with the tariff whiplash? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

You may be wondering whether the prices of your go-to products, from avocados to smartphones, will be raised by tariffs in the coming weeks. We hear you! On the show today, Martha Gimbel, executive director of the Budget Lab at Yale, gives us a broad view of the tariff landscape, how the prices of certain consumer goods could change, and how Trump’s trade agenda could impact the American economy in the long run. Plus, why a trade deficit isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Then, we’ll smile about the joy of listening to kids learn to talk. And, Carrie Lane, author of “More Than Pretty Boxes: How the Rise of Professional Organizing Shows Us the Way We Work Isn’t Working,” answers the Make Me Smart question. Here’s everything we talked about today: "Tariffs on China set to rise to at least 104% on Wednesday, White House says" from CNN Business "Stock Market Today: Dow, S&P 500 Swing Wildly; Trump Threatens More China Tariffs" from The Wall Street Journal "What is the status of the Trump administration's tariffs?" from Marketplace "Where We Stand: The Fiscal, Economic, and Distributional Effects of All U.S. Tariffs Enacted in 2025 Through April 2" from The Budget Lab at Yale "Trump Tariff Tracker" from the Atlantic Council Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

Global markets are reeling after President Trump’s latest tariff announcement last week, prompting business executives like JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon to speak out against Trump’s trade agenda. This comes just a few months after Dimon previously said to “get over” Trump’s tariff threats. Kai has thoughts. Plus, we’ll get into how long it could take for global trade to rebalance and what some conservative think tanks are saying about all the tariff upheaval. Here’s everything we talked about today: “JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon Warns Tariffs Will Raise Prices, Slow Growth” from The Wall Street Journal “Jamie Dimon says Trump's tariff policy is positive for national security so people should 'get over it'“ from CNBC “New tariffs could spell major trouble for global economy” from the Competitive Enterprise Institute “Trump’s Tariffs Are an Economic Emergency for Americans” from the American Enterprise Institute “Brace for Impact, America. Trump’s Tariffs Will Soon Hit Your Bank Accounts” from the Cato Institute Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2025

On this edition of “Economics on Tap,” Kimberly and Sabri discuss how it’s nearly impossible to tariff-proof your shopping list (or cocktail) because of the way our global economy works. They also get into why reshoring might be easier said than done. Plus, could Congress claw back some of the authority on tariffs? And the hosts weigh in on this season of “White Lotus” in a round of Half-Full/Half-Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: “These cocktails and wines could get pricier if Trump imposes tariffs” from The Washington Post “US Senate Republican pushes to require congressional approval for new tariffs” by Reuters “House Republican moves to rein in tariff powers” by Politico “Powell Warns Trump’s Tariffs Risk Stoking Even Higher Inflation and Slower Growth” from The New York Times “The Revolving Restaurant Is Back Again (and Again)” from The New York Times “Americans Rush to Buy TVs, Soy Sauce, Lululemon Workout Gear” from The Wall Street Journal “This Financial Firm Can Give Investment Advice in Gen Z Slang, No Cap” from The Wall Street Journal ‘The White Lotus” Season 3 finale: How to watch, plus what we know about Season 4 from Yahoo Entertainment Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 5 April 2025

President Donald Trump unveiled sweeping tariffs on American imports, with the levies coming in higher than expected. Do we need to be stockpiling our carts to get in front of rising costs? We asked economists how they’re personally preparing for higher prices. Plus, Reema and Kimberly unpack international responses as countries buckle up to negotiate — or take retaliatory measures. Also, why are we putting tariffs on uninhabited islands near Antarctica? Here’s everything we talked about today: “Tariffs Will Hit All U.S. Imports. Price Hikes for These Items May Surprise You” from The Wall Street Journal “Tariff-related layoffs hit five US auto plants that supply factories in Canada and Mexico” from CNN Business “Sweeping Trump tariffs shock global economy, draw calls for talks” by AP News Watch: “In Full: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responds to new US tariffs” by ABC News Australia on YouTube “‘Nowhere on Earth is safe’: Trump imposes tariffs on uninhabited islands near Antarctica” by The Guardian “The Blunt Force Trauma of the Trump Tariffs” from Wired “Support Grows for President Trump’s America First Reciprocal Trade Plan” 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.

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2025

Keyed to President Donald Trump’s tariff announcement today, Kimberly and Sabri unpack some of the messaging about the impact tariffs had during the president’s first term and explain why many of those claims are overblown. Plus, why we’re smiling about Sen. Cory Booker’s historic speech and how Sabri fell victim to April Fools’ Day shenanigans! (Note: This episode was recorded prior to Trump’s speech.)  Here’s everything we talked about today: “Trump’s Tariffs Make the Fed’s Interest Rate Decisions Tougher” from The New York Times “Tariffs Work — and President Trump’s First Term Proves It” from The White House “Economic View: Tariffs Have Strengthened the U.S. Economy” from the Coalition for a Prosperous America “Economic Impact of Section 232 and 301 Tariffs on U.S. Industries” from the United States International Trade Commission “ITC Study Proves Effectiveness of China Tariffs on Boosting Domestic Production, Reducing Dependence on Imports” from the Coalition for a Prosperous America “Home Depot to Charge For Parking to Combat Inflation” by Pro Tool Reviews “Booker sets new record for longest Senate floor speech” from Roll Call @kimberlyadams.bsky.social‬ via Bluesky Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2025

The idea that the government should be run more like a business isn’t new. But with two businessmen, Donald Trump and Elon Musk, now taking a proverbial chainsaw to the federal bureaucracy all in the name “efficiency,” this theory is being put to the test. While it’s an appealing idea, Philip Joyce, professor of public policy at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy, said governments can’t afford to take risks the way businesses can. On the show today, Joyce explains the origins of the idea that the government should be run like a business, how we define “success” differently for the two entities, and how the way Trump and Musk do business is showing up in the White House. Then, we’ll break down the high stakes of today’s special elections in Wisconsin and Florida. Plus, reflections on serendipitous moments in walkable communities and what we gain by admitting we were wrong. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Why Running the Government Like a Business Would Be a Disaster” from The New York Times “The US Government Is Not a Startup” from Wired “The US Postal Service has been struggling for years. Now Trump’s talking about privatizing it” from AP News “DOGE wants businesses to run government services ‘as much as possible’” from The Washington Post “UPDATE: RECOVER Long COVID pathobiology grants restored” from The Sick Times “NIH restores some long COVID grants” from C&EN “What to Watch in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court Election and Florida’s Special Elections” from The New York Times “What to watch for Tuesday in Wisconsin’s high-stakes Supreme Court race and special elections in Florida” from CNN Politics “Control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court is at stake in race that’s drawn powerful political interests” from AP News “Volume 52 | Issue 1 | February 2025” from the American Ethnological Society Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

President Donald Trump has promised that a fresh wave of tariffs on April 2 will usher in an era of growth in American manufacturing. But does history bear that out? We’ll explain how steel tariffs under President George W. Bush did more harm than good. And, in response to Trump’s trade agenda, the “buy Canadian” movement is gaining steam. American exporters are already feeling it. Plus, we’ll smile about flowers, parties and the unspoken rules of texting. Here’s everything we talked about today: “As ‘Buy Canadian’ grows, more US companies say retailers shunning their products” from Reuters “Republicans scramble to shield their states from Trump’s next wave of tariffs” from Politico “Why steel tariffs failed when Bush was president” from Politico “Are You a Hostile Punctuator???” from Time “‘God’s way of smiling at us’: Iconic DC cherry blossoms create lasting joy, new beginnings” from USA Today Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025