Make Me Smart

Most of us can only wonder what goes on in U.S. national security leaders’ group chats, but The Atlantic’s Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg doesn’t have to. Last week, Goldberg was accidentally included in a Signal group chat with high-ranking members of the Donald Trump administration, in which they discussed imminent war operations. Yes, this actually happened. Plus, the whopping $2.1 billion verdict you might’ve missed over Roundup weed killer. And, we smile over what’s happened since congestion pricing went into effect in Manhattan — all while dropping some Latin vocab. Here’s everything we talked about today: “The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War Plans”“Bayer Drops After $2 Billion Verdict in Latest Roundup Trial”“Third Circuit Rules Failure to Warn Claims Preempted by FIFRA”“Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal break Broadway box office records with ‘Othello’”“Congestion Pricing is a Policy Miracle” Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

It’s almost peak bloom in Washington, D.C., which means it’s time for our annual cherry blossom celebration! But first, some federal funding news: Columbia University will give in to far-reaching demands by President Donald Trump to restore threatened federal funding. We’ll get into what kind of precedent the move sets for higher education. And, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will cancel $500 million in food deliveries. Rural food banks could be impacted most. Plus, we’ll play a blossom-themed round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: “Trump weighs in on report King Charles will offer U.S. Commonwealth membership”“Columbia Yields to Trump in Battle Over Federal Funding”“USDA cancels $500M in food deliveries, leaving food banks scrambling”“Ohio among best places to see cherry blossoms blooming. Here’s where”“Cherry Blossom predictions are in! Will AI bloom or bust?”“Beyond the bud: How the nation’s pink trees became an indicator of changing climate”“2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival set to boost DC tourism” Donate to our March fundraiser to get classic public media thank-you gifts! https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

Not totally sure how tariffs work, who pays for them and how they’re collected? Look no further. In today’s episode, Kai and Nova answer these questions and more. We’ll explain how tariffs are applied and what they’re based on, as well as what happens when a good crosses a border multiple times. Plus, what’s the point of a country retaliating with tariffs if its citizens have to pay for them? We’ll get into it. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Who Pays for Tariffs? Here’s What You Need to Know.”“China’s retaliatory tariffs on agricultural goods will squeeze farmers”Audio snippet“How Tariffs Work”“Automakers warn that Trump tariffs will hike vehicle prices as much as 25%”“Buying a Car? Trump’s Tariffs Could Make It More Expensive.”“Europe Delays Tariffs on U.S. Whiskey to Make Time to Negotiate”“Trump’s 200% tariff threat would be ‘a real disaster’ for Europe’s wine industry” Join us tomorrow for “Economics on Tap.” The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

President Donald Trump’s tariff fight with the European Union just got a little more heated after the EU accused U.S. tech giants Google and Apple of breaching antitrust rules. Could this escalate the EU-U.S. trade war? We’ll also talk about the erasure of Black history and why Elon Musk is about to be back in the money. Finally, Nova makes us smile with some of the funniest and nerdiest bumper stickers seen around the streets of Los Angeles. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Jackie Robinson’s Army career wiped from military website in DEI purge”@danlamothe.bsky.social“Elon Musk’s X Raises Almost $1 Billion in New Equity Funding”“EU accuses Google and Apple of breaking its rules, risking Trump clash”“The funniest, weirdest and most niche bumper stickers seen around L.A.”“Debussy Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun” Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Hey Smarties! Today we’re revisiting an episode from earlier this year that might help you make sense of all the tit for tat tariff fight from the past few weeks. It unpacks some tariff history and the potential economic consequences of President Trump’s ongoing trade war. If President Donald Trump goes through with his plan to levy sweeping tariffs on foreign imports, it wouldn’t be the first time the U.S. has done such a thing. Ever heard of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930? Anyone? Those tariffs are widely credited with sinking the United States deeper into the Great Depression. And although global trade looks different nowadays, they can teach us a lot about how Trump’s protectionist approach to global trade could play out. On the show today, Inu Manak, a fellow for trade policy at the Council on Foreign Relations, explains how the Smoot-Hawley tariff debacle can shed light on the current moment, why the president has the power to wield tariffs in the first place, and how punishing trading partners could leave the U.S. economy at a disadvantage. Plus, what this fight has to do with the 1980s film “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and Roomba vacuum cleaners! Later, one listener’s call to visit your local butcher. And, dating coach Damona Hoffman, host of the “Dates and Mates” podcast, answers the “Make Me Smart” question just in time for Valentine’s Day. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Tariffs on Trading Partners: Can the President Actually Do That?”“One Response to Trump’s Tariffs: Trade That Excludes the U.S.”“The United States has been disengaging from the global economy”“Protectionism 100 years ago helped ignite a world war. Could it happen again?”“The US is one of the least trade-oriented countries in the world – despite laying the groundwork for today’s globalized system” Double your impact when you donate to Marketplace today, thanks to a $30,000 match from the Investors Challenge Fund: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

On today’s episode, Kai Ryssdal and Kimberly Adams discuss the Donald Trump administration’s disregard for the courts. The White House has ignored a judge’s order to turn around a pair of deportation flights and failed to rehire federal workers. A constitutional crisis has arrived. Plus, get ready for a three-bleep Kai rant. And how anime helps explain the GOP’s attempt to get around the real cost of its $4 trillion tax cut. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Black War Hero’s Medal of Honor Page Deleted by Pentagon”“Donald Trump Is Itching for a Legal Showdown Over Deportations”“What court orders? Trump’s moving full steam ahead to slash more federal workers”“Exclusive: How the White House ignored a judge’s order to turn back deportation flights”“Trump admin live updates: Border czar says ‘I don’t care what the judges think’”“Crematory horrors spur Maryland lawmakers to push for reform”“A Congresswoman with Dementia Stopped Coming to Work. The DC Press Corps Never Noticed.”“The Budget Trick the G.O.P. Might Use to Make a $4 Trillion Tax Cut Look Free”@bbkogan.bsky.social“Republicans press for change in how CBO tallies cost of legislation” Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

A Republican-written spending bill is being backed by some Senate Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, to avoid a government shutdown. Other Democrats — and much of the voter base — aren’t happy. We’ll get into it. Then, we’ll close out the week with a round of Half Full/Half Empty, weighing in on Southwest Airlines’ new checked bag policy and $19 strawberries. Plus, in the wake of a certain duchess’ foray into television, what are your thoughts on celeb cooking shows? Here’s everything we talked about today: “The Siberian Bone Hunters Diving for Ice Age Mammoth Fossils” “Dr. Oz, with a TV host’s flair, promises simple solutions for America’s health care ills” Schumer Under Fire as Pelosi and Other Democrats Criticize Shutdown Retreat” “Half-Past Four is the New Five O’Clock in More Efficient Workday” 5 Takeaways From Meghan Markle’s Netflix Show ‘With Love, Meghan’” Why does the viral Erewhon strawberry cost $19?” Southwest Airlines is charging for checked bags. Will loyal flyers stick around? Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

In this episode, Kai and Kimberly divide into the back and forth over tariffs. The on-again, off-again levies are making it tough for industries to plan and trade. With all the uncertainty, are markets — from stocks to agriculture — on the verge of becoming untradable? Plus, we’ll wryly smile at a biting, century-old song about farmers who were ticked off about tariffs. (Thanks to our listener, Robert, for sharing his rendition!) Here’s everything we talked about today: “China’s retaliatory tariffs on agricultural goods will squeeze farmers”“Chinese tariffs on U.S. farm products take effect as trade tensions mount”“An ‘Untradable’ Market: Trump Sows Profound Uncertainty for Stocks”“Nebraska folklore pamphlet: Farmers’ Alliance songs of the 1890’s” Join us tomorrow for “Economics on Tap.” The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

A new contender has entered the podcast landscape: wait, is that California Governor Gavin Newsom? His show features a surprisingly conservative guest list, including MAGA stars Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk. Kai and Kimberly break down the fourth wall and discuss whether there’s value in platforming guests who hold a different set of values. Plus, more federal layoffs took place this past week, this time in the U.S. Department of Education and its civil rights division. Then, the hosts get smiley about rescue dogs in a sled dog race (thanks, Abigail!) and the birds in Kai’s neighborhood. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Gavin Newsom Finds Some Surprising Common Ground With Steve Bannon” “Massive Layoffs at the Department of Education Erode Its Civil Rights Division” “U.S. Department of Education Launches “End DEI” Portal” “This Iditarod musher is racing with mostly rescue dogs from Alaska shelters” Merlin Bird ID Seek app Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Five years ago, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Since then, there have been lockdowns, a recession, two presidential elections and more than a million American lives lost from the disease. In many ways, life feels like it’s back to normal, but David Wallace-Wells, a writer for The New York Times, argues that the pandemic still has a grip on American life, from our faith in public health institutions to the way consumers feel about the economy. On the show today, Wallace-Wells walks us through how Americans neglected to process the seismic impact of the pandemic in the rush to recover from it, and how it’s left us more self-interested and less empathetic. Plus, how this can help explain disgruntled consumers and a growing appetite for risk-taking in the economy. Then, we’ll get into how responses to public health emergencies have shifted to the realm of the private sector. And, we’ll hear listeners’ reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic, five years on. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Opinion | How Covid Remade Our America, Five Years Later”“30 Charts That Show How Covid Changed Everything in March 2020”“Gyms, pets and takeout: How the pandemic has shifted daily life”“It’s Not the Economy. It’s the Pandemic.”“Opinion | Covid’s Deadliest Effect Took Five Years to Appear”“More Universities Are Choosing to Stay Neutral on the Biggest Issues” Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

On today’s episode, Kai and Kimberly discuss the future of Biden-era clean energy tax credits under Trump 2.0. A group of GOP lawmakers want them to stay. Meanwhile, the administration is rescinding memos that pushed for climate change-resilient infrastructure. Plus, the hosts weigh in on the arrest of a Palestinian activist and Columbia University student by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Is this the first arrest of “many to come?” Finally, we’ll smile as the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., get closer to full bloom. Here’s everything we talked about today: Trump Says Columbia Student Arrest Is First of Many to Come“House Republican support grows for keeping clean energy tax breaks”“Transportation secretary rescinds Biden memos prioritizing infrastructure resilience to climate change”“2025 Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom Forecasts” Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

President Donald Trump’s family business is suing Capital One for closing its bank accounts in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, arguing the bank violated consumer protection laws. Where’s the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau when ya need ’em? Then, Kimberly breaks down two moves by the White House that could have sweeping consequences for law firms who work on cases against the Trump administration. Plus, we’ll weigh in on Trump’s strategic bitcoin reserve and tariff whiplash during a game of Half Full/Half Empty! Oh, and should there be a half-time show at the 2026 World Cup final? Here’s everything we talked about today: “Trump Organization Sues Capital One for Closing Its Accounts”“War heroes and military firsts are among 26,000 images flagged for removal in Pentagon’s DEI purge”“Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Ensures the Enforcement of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65(c)”“Trump directs DOJ to seek security bonds for injunctions”“Trump targets prominent Democratic-linked law firm”“Your tariff questions, answered.”“Why coffee shops like Dunkin’ are dropping nondairy milk fees”“Fed chair signals patience amid Trump’s tariff whiplash”“In a first, the 2026 World Cup final will include a halftime show”“Can an A.I. Travel Bot Plan Your Trip to NYC?” Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Donald Trump administration officials disbanded two expert committees on economic data this week and suggested altering the way the U.S. calculates gross domestic product. It’s not the first time the administration has hinted at fiddling with important numbers, and a listener wrote in to ask how all this might impact businesses and the market. We’ll break it down. Plus, why is nobody talking about the debt limit? And, congrats to Bill in Ohio on scoring a hat trick! Here’s everything we talked about today: “Trump administration disbands two expert panels on economic data”“Can the U.S. delete government spending from GDP?”“Key House Republican Warns May Debt-Ceiling Breach Possible”“Explainer: Why would the US government shut down?”“A campus sign said ‘Tell us something good.’ Students delivered.” 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, we’re discussing a pair of recent rulings about the Trump administration’s efforts to cut foreign aid and fire federal workers, leaving us with a “Through the Looking-Glass” moment, where the nonsensical is reality. Plus, we’ll explain some ways to catch a breath in the midst of uncertain economic times. And, we’ll smile at a math problem solved through the power of anime fans. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Supreme Court Rejects Trump’s Bid to Freeze Foreign Aid”“How to handle the stress of tariff escalation and stock market jitters”“‘He Finally Shot the Hostage’: Trump’s Trade War Is a Brutal Reality Check”“OPM retroactively edits probationary firing guidance to note it did not order probationary firings”“How Anime Fans Stumbled upon a Mathematical Proof”Steve Carell tells students affected by wildfires that prom tickets are paid for Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

The National Women’s Soccer League’s regular season kicks off next week. And thanks in part to a record-breaking media rights agreement and the growth of women’s professional sports across the board, the league is gaining more attention — and investment — than ever. Angel City Football Club became the highest-valued women’s sports team in the world last year when Willow Bay and Bob Iger acquired a controlling stake in the franchise for $250 million. Julie Uhrman, the team’s CEO and co-founder, says Angel City is just the beginning. On the show today, Uhrman explains how she and her co-founders got investors to see their vision, why a game day experience that leaves you with FOMO is key to Angel City’s growth, and how to watch the NWSL’s season. Later, how proposed funding cuts at the National Institutes of Health could leave a generational impact on the United States’ reputation as a science leader. And Adam Grant, host of the “Re:Thinking” podcast, answers the Make Me Smart question. Here’s everything we talked about today: “How Angel City became ‘the most valuable women’s sports team in the world’ with new owners”“Ranking new 2025 NWSL team jerseys: Which kits hit?”“Without the Draft, NWSL Clubs Are Navigating a Changing Landscape in College Recruitment”“NWSL announces landmark media partnerships with CBS Sports, ESPN, Prime Video and Scripps Sports”“National Women’s Soccer League Playoffs Docuseries Gets Premiere Date At Prime Video”interview Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Today, we’re talking about one of Kai’s favorite topics: bonds! The yield on the 10-year Treasury note (the benchmark for mortgages and car loans) is down sharply, which is great for consumers. But it’s happening for not necessarily great reasons. We’ll explain. Plus, why Kimberly is keeping a close eye on one of her go-to government websites. And, she’ll share tales from her trip to Venice’s famed carnival. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Key Interest Rate Falls as Worries About the Economy Rise”“RFK Jr. moves to eliminate public comment on HHS decisions”“RFK Jr. move to kill public comment roils providers”“AP PHOTOS: Venice Carnival opens with biodegradable streamers and an ode to Casanova” Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

A meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump today dissolved into a heated argument in the Oval Office, flipping the switch of the global economic order. Kai Ryssdal and guest host Nova Safo discuss what they took away from the contentious meeting and what it might mean for American-style capitalism. Plus, we’ll shift gears and play a lively round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: “Trump, Vance castigate Zelensky in tense Oval Office meeting”“Microsoft Will Shut Down Skype in Favor of a Free Version of Teams”“‘Jeopardy!’ and ‘Wheel of Fortune’ to Leap to Streaming”“Why are tech companies investing in quantum computing?”“Why some authors and publishers are nixing book blurbs”“Lately, the scoop on the bond market is like ice cream roulette”“How much impact could a 24-hour “economic blackout” have?” Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

On today’s episode, we make you smarter by answering your pressing questions about this economy: Will cuts to the federal workforce make any difference to the unemployment rate? Also, have we all been totally oblivious to a private sector recession? (Spoiler: No!) We’ll explain. Plus, listeners sound off on smile-worthy moments from their week! Here’s everything we talked about today: “How Will Shrinking the Federal Workforce Impact the Labor Market?” “How DOGE cuts might show up in the data” “Unemployment is still low, but are private sector layoffs accelerating?” “Many laid-off government workers aren’t eligible for unemployment” “US Treasury’s Bessent vows to re-privatize an economy that is ‘brittle underneath’” “ADP® National Employment Report” “Employment by industry, monthly changes” “Governments at all levels are hiring, and that’s boosting the job market” “The Federal Reserve’s favorite recession indicator is flashing a danger sign again” Join us tomorrow for “Economics on Tap.” The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

Kai has been tracking news about a giant asteroid heading toward Earth. NASA says we’re safe, for now! But first, the hosts discuss troubling trends in the news business and a shift in who gets to exert control over media narratives. And, we’re keeping a close eye on growing fears over possible layoffs. Here’s everything we talked about today: “US Workers Cite Growing Layoff Fear in Philadelphia Fed Survey”“White House takes control of press pool that covers Trump”“Washington Post opinion editor departs as Bezos pushes to promote ‘personal liberties and free markets’”“Costa Rica Is Saving Forest Ecosystems by Listening to Them”“NASA Gives ‘All Clear’ for Asteroid That Seemed to Threaten Earth” Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Today, we’re sharing the first episode of “Unlocking the Gates,” a series from Marketplace and APM Studios hosted by special correspondent Lee Hawkins. He tells the story of how the Minnesota suburb he grew up in went from being a place where the housing market was inaccessible to Black families to one where many Black families found economic opportunity. And it all started with a nighttime business deal.