Make Me Smart

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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