Make Me Smart

Apple today plans to announce a new $100 billion investment aimed at boosting the compan’s production in the United States. It’s the latest in a string of moves by tech companies that could help maintain favor with the president and avoid tariffs. And, the Federal Aviation Administration wants to ease restrictions for drone package deliveries. We’ll get into the pros and cons of more drone-friendly skies. Plus, the origins of Pac-Man and a funeral fit for an AI chatbot model. Here’s everything we talked about today: "Federal Aviation Administration looks to expand drone package delivery""Video Shows Drone Rescuing Man During Flood in China""Trump, Apple to Announce Fresh $100 Billion US Investment"”Trump to Double India’s Tariff to 50% Over Russian Oil Purchases” "'It's a reminder of childhood': How Pac-Man changed gaming - and the world""Claude Fans Threw a Funeral for Anthropic’s Retired AI Model" from Wired We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

The Trump administration has vowed to roll back all sorts of federal regulations, from workplace safety standards to environmental protections. State and local governments have faced pressure from the White House to comply with this agenda. And it’s turned them into even more important battlegrounds in the regulatory wars. On the show today, Liane Jollon, executive director of Western Leaders Network, explains how local officials grapple with threats of funding cuts coming from the White House, and how you can get more involved in your state and local politics. Later, listeners share some love for public libraries. And, Steve Pierson, co-host of “The Practivist Pod,” answers the Make Me Smart question. Here’s everything we talked about today: "States Ramping Up Regulations Amid Federal Pullback""Trump administration moves to repeal climate ‘holy grail’""Texas House issues arrest warrants for Democrats who left state to block congressional redistricting""Donald Trump wants states and cities to do as they are told""The Documenters Network" We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

President Trump’s firing of the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner is not without international precedent. Other countries have gone down the path of meddling with economic data for political gain. We’ll get into lessons we can take from the rest of the world. And, can the U.S. continue to be a bastion of scientific research in the wake of deep federal funding cuts? Plus, we’ll celebrate one listener’s feat of digitizing years of her great grandmother’s diaries. Here’s everything we talked about today: "Every Scientific Empire Comes to an End""Trump to Name New Fed Governor, Jobs Data Head in Coming Days""Trump Fired America’s Economic Data Collector. History Shows the Perils."Thread on X from Lulu Garcia Navarro We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Following a weaker than expected jobs report today, President Trump said he’ll fire the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, claiming the data was rigged. It’s an unprecedented move with potentially enormous consequences for our understanding of the U.S. economy. We’ll explain. And, we’ll get into how Trump’s tariffs are destabilizing economies across globe. Plus, we’ll weigh in on tariff “rebates” and pricier desserts during a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: "The full list of Trump’s tariffs – from India to Taiwan""‘There’s no work now, just debt’: Cambodian garment workers face precarious future as US tariffs loom""Tariffs Bring Disaster In Lesotho, the Country That Trump Says Nobody’s Heard Of""85 percent of parents worry about tariffs affecting back-to-school cost: Survey""Trump fires commissioner of labor statistics after weaker-than-expected jobs figures slam markets""Big Downward Jobs Revisions Could Be a Warning Sign for the Economy""Private equity tees up to invest in youth sports""NYC’s Luxury Dessert Scene Is Booming and Higher Priced Than Ever""Subscription-based children's magazines are revitalizing the genre""GOP senators reject Trump’s pitch to use tariff revenue for ‘rebates’" We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

The Federal Reserve left its benchmark interest rate unchanged after meeting yesterday, despite repeated pressures from President Trump to cut rates. But not everyone at the Fed was happy about it. On the show today, Marketplace’s Nancy Marshall-Genzer joins Kimberly to fill us in on the recent debate over lowering interest rates and the political tension surrounding the Fed. Plus, thriving raspberry bushes make us smile. Here’s everything we talked about today: "The Federal Reserve leaves interest rates unchanged""Fed's Powell sticks with patient approach to rate cuts, brushing off Trump's demands""Could Trump use Fed HQ renovations as a pretext to fire Powell?""What’s Holding Trump Back From Firing Powell" from The Atlantic We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

The United Nations this week warned that “widespread starvation, malnutrition and disease” are contributing to a rise in hunger-related deaths across the Gaza Strip. This comes as the flow of aid into Gaza has slowed in recent months and the price of food has increased drastically. On the show today, Reema shares what life looks like for her family there right now. And, we’ll get into the growing international pressure on Israel to lift barriers that organizations have faced in delivering aid. Here’s everything we talked about today: "In Gaza, mounting evidence of famine and widespread starvation""How Food Supplies in Gaza Have Dwindled Under the New Israeli Aid Plan""The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Can Feed Starving Gazans""What’s Happening in Gaza? FAQ: Hunger and Humanitarian Aid""A famine hasn't been declared in Gaza, but that may not matter, experts say""A conversation with Baba" from “This Is Uncomfortable” We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Along with some other federal agencies, the Trump administration has attempted to gut the Institute of Museum and Library Services. It’s a small agency, but public libraries across the country rely on its funding. The loss of federal grants isn’t the only thing these community hubs are up against. On the show today, Sam Helmick, president of the American Library Association, explains how public library funding works, the challenges presented by the shift to digital media, and what the culture wars look like on the ground at public libraries. Later, listeners share their thoughts on the new No Tax on Tips and Overtime laws. Plus, a librarian answers the Make Me Smart question. Here’s everything we talked about today: "The Trump Administration Is Threatening Libraries, Museums, and Other Nonprofits That Support the Arts, Humanities, and Learning""Libraries are cutting back on staff and services after Trump's order to dismantle small agency""1 big thing: Libraries' e-book battle"“No Tax on Tips” Is an Industry Plant" from The New Yorker We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Over the weekend, President Trump announced a new trade deal with the EU: 15% tariffs on most goods in exchange for the EU’s promise to purchase U.S. energy. But a court case brought by a group of small businesses could derail Trump’s tariff agenda. We’ll explain what’s at stake. Plus, a reminder to get outside and enjoy what nature has to offer. (But stay cool!) Here’s everything we talked about today: "EU-US tariffs: five key takeaways from the trade deal""US and EU reach tariff agreement""EU's pledge for $250 billion of US energy imports is delusional""Japan Expects Only 1-2% of $550 Billion US Fund to Be Investment""Trump's economy faces historic week on interest rates, trade, jobs and more""Trump's trade deals and tariffs are on the chopping block in court. What happens next""Texas buys land for new state parks that will be developed using $1 billion voter-approved fund""A 100-year-old on a bike? Yes. ‘The right to wind in your hair’" from The Washington Post We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Earlier this week, President Trump announced a “massive” trade deal with Japan. But as Japanese officials clarify some of the terms, it’s not clear how concrete the deal actually is. We’ll explain. Also, some wealthy Democrats who stand to benefit from Trump’s tax cuts are rallying against them. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: "Cracks widen in Japan and US’s interpretation of tariff trade deal""Trump’s Tariffs Are Being Picked Up by Corporate America""Rich liberals do not want their big Trump tax cut""AI has come for the fragrance industry""Want to pay down the national debt? The US government will take Venmo""Meme stocks have staged a surprising return""Restaurants Are Trying to Tariff-Proof The Menu" We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Republicans’ newly passed tax and spending law makes good on a promise President Trump made over and over on the campaign trail: No Tax on Tips and Overtime. But the change likely won’t have the drastic impact many workers think it will. Marketplace’s Kristin Schwab joins us on the show today to break down the nuts and bolts of how the tax breaks will work and how American workers and businesses could be affected. Plus, Kimberly’s cat Artax makes an appearance. Here’s everything we talked about today: "How the new "No Tax on Tips" and overtime laws work""No Tax On Tips And Overtime: What Workers Should Know""Here’s A Tip: ‘No Taxes on Tips’ May Be Good Politics But Is Bad Policy"“An Illustrated Guide to Who Really Benefits From ‘No Tax on Tips’” from The New York Times Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 Pacific/6:30 Eastern. See you then!

President Trump announced a trade deal with Japan that will impose 15% tariffs on imports. Wall Street is happy, but it could put the United States in an awkward position as the Trump administration continues to seek other deals. Sabri Ben-Achour explains. Also, the federal government is leading a major deregulatory crusade. And they want your input. Plus, quilts and blooming plants make us smile. Here’s everything we talked about today: "Trump's Labor Department proposes more than 60 rule changes in a push to deregulate workplaces""Trump Strikes Deal With Ally Japan Setting Tariff Rate at 15%"Listener Jen’s quilting Instagram We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Lately, tech companies like Meta have been putting hundreds of billions toward building new data centers to power their AI ambitions. Some communities have been pushing back, however, arguing these facilities strain local resources. But demand for data centers isn’t expected to slow down anytime soon. On the show today, Landon Marston, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech, explains what data centers actually are, why they require so much energy and water to operate, and how they can affect nearby communities. Plus, how can data centers become more sustainable? Later, reflections on Medicaid cuts and the power of journaling. And, a listener makes us smarter about “100-year floods.” Here’s everything we talked about today: "Their Water Taps Ran Dry When Meta Built Next Door""Coreweave stock pops after company announces $6 billion AI data center in Pennsylvania""Meta's Zuckerberg pledges hundreds of billions for AI data centers in superintelligence push""How A.I. Is Changing the Way the World Builds Computers""China Is Putting Data Centers in the Ocean to Keep Them Cool"”The 100-Year Flood” from the U.S. Geological Survey We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Todd Lyons said his agency’s crackdown on unauthorized immigration will extend to employers as well. Industries that rely heavily on undocumented workers are pushing back. We’ll get into it. And, American consumers are spending in the face of tariff-fueled inflation fears. (For now, at least.) Plus, Korean beauty loyalists and summer camps for sewing make us smile. Here’s everything we talked about today: "ICE head says agency to crack down on American companies hiring unauthorized workers""Transcript: Acting ICE director Todd Lyons on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 20, 2025""The U.S. Economy Is Regaining Its Swagger Despite Trump’s Tariffs""Teens Learn the Lost Arts of Sewing and Ironing at New Summer Camp Taught By Local Grandmas Staving off Loneliness""A Year’s Worth of Mascara? Fans of Korean Beauty Stock Up as Tariffs Loom.""After Pledging to Keep Prices Low, Amazon Hiked Them on Hundreds of Essentials" from The Wall Street Journal We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

The Trump administration has agreed to share the data of millions of Medicaid enrollees with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in an effort to locate immigrants who may be undocumented in the U.S. We discuss the implications of this agreement. And, we explain a White House executive order in the works than plans to target AI models seen as too “woke.” We get into how that aligns with the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: “Trump administration hands over Medicaid recipients’ personal data, including addresses, to ICE”“White House Prepares Executive Order Targeting ‘Woke AI’”“A UK-based company hopes to use “robot dogs” to address labor shortages in health care”“Social media algorithms create “algospeak,” a kind of internet slang”“Roblox will scan users’ video selfies to assess their ages”“TSA to add a lane for families with children and members of the military” Federal funding for public media has been eliminated. This is a critical time for public media, including Marketplace. Give now: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

The Senate approved the Trump administration’s rescission package today, which proposes taking back $9 billion in federal funding already allocated for programs such as public media and foreign aid. We’ll get into the implications for the bipartisan nature of the budgeting process. Plus, we explain the latest development of a lawsuit against Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and company leaders, which stems back to the 2018 privacy scandal involving Cambridge Analytica. Then, we’ll smile at a piece of new technology that claims to shoot mosquitoes using lasers. And, do you believe in supernatural forces? Here’s everything we talked about today: “Russ Vought: Appropriations process ‘has to be less bipartisan’”“The Appropriations Process Was Already Broken. The Rescission Bill May Have Just Shattered It.”“Meta investors, Zuckerberg reach settlement to end $8 billion trial over Facebook privacy litigation”“This ‘Iron Dome’ for mosquitoes shoots down bugs with lasers”“Angels, witches, crystals and black cats: How supernatural beliefs vary across different groups in the US” We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

According to the latest consumer price index, the reported prices of several items, including apparel and household furnishings, increased in June, suggesting some preliminary effects of the Trump administration’s tariff policies. We discuss President Donald Trump’s response calling for the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates, and why it’s so crucial to preserve an independent central bank. Then, we take a look at Missouri, where the state’s legislature and the governor overturned the outcome of a ballot initiative. What does that say about the state of public participation in the democratic process? And, we celebrate some wins from listeners about a rekindled drive to write poetry and what it means to be a good friend. Here’s everything we talked about today: "Missouri governor repeals paid sick leave law approved last year by voters""Missouri Rolls Back Paid Sick Leave Entitlement; $15 Minimum Wage Remains"“Missouri’s voters restored abortion rights. Their leaders are trying to overrule them”"D.C. budget update: Tipped minimum wage compromise fails, ranked choice voting funded as budget advances""Inflation picks up again in June, rising at 2.7% annual rate" We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is projected to cut Medicaid spending by more than $1 trillion. The law changes eligibility rules, and some predictions estimate at least 10.5 million people will be eliminated from the program. “For some adults, Medicaid will step in and help pay for care at home, or if care at home is not available, for care in nursing homes,” said Rachel Werner, executive director of the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics at the University of Pennsylvania. “With the cuts to Medicaid funding, we are expecting that the availability of care in both of those settings will diminish, and it will be harder for people to get the care they need to live independently.” States will have to respond to the changes by either making up the funding gap or reducing services. On the show today, Werner explains how the funding cuts could limit the caregiving options for older Americans who need at-home care and place a larger responsibility on their families. Plus, we discuss how to start planning for long-term care amid all the legislative changes. Then, we’ll celebrate a listener’s win about her chocolate lab puppy. And, another listener’s quest to find life on Mars. Here’s everything we talked about today: “How Medicaid Cuts Could Force Millions Into Nursing Homes”“Advocates warn that Medicaid cuts in the big budget law put home-based health care at risk”“New AARP Report: Majority of Adults 50-plus Want to Age in Place, But Policies and Communities Must Catch Up”“A Closer Look at the Medicaid Work Requirement Provisions in the “Big Beautiful Bill”“Medicaid cuts: The how and why”“As the need for nursing homes grows, nurses are in short supply” We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

The Senate is expected to vote on President Donald Trump’s rescissions package this week, which proposes rescinding $9.4 billion in previously approved spending to several programs, including public media and foreign aid spending. We discuss how this could undermine the bipartisan process. Then, we take a look at Bitcoin trading at new record highs, as U.S. lawmakers prepare to pass new regulations on cryptocurrency. We explain the bills being proposed in what’s been dubbed “Crypto Week.” Plus, we hear listeners’ wins about a resurgence of monarch butterflies and a lifelong dream of clubbing in Berlin. Here’s everything we talked about today: “GOP leader faces showdown with Republicans on Trump-backed funding cuts”“Schumer warns package to claw back funding would ‘poison’ annual spending talks”“A Senate vote this week will test the popularity of DOGE spending cuts”“Bitcoin Soars Past $120,000 as House Takes Up Crypto Bills”“‘Crypto Week’ on Capitol Hill”“Trump Rescission Proposal Builds on Illegal Impoundments, Would Undermine Future Funding Deals” We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

The Trump Administration today said it will restrict undocumented immigrants from accessing public programs, including Head Start. Kimberly explains how the move fits into the government’s broader effort to change who’s entitled to services in the United States. And, the Supreme Court gave Trump the green light to continue mass federal layoffs, for now. We’ll get into the emotional rollercoaster many of these workers have been on this year. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: "What the Media Gets Wrong About Medicaid ‘Cuts'""Taxpayer-Funded Benefits Are for American Citizens — Not Illegals""Trump to cut off Head Start for immigrants in US illegally""State Department fires more than 1,300 employees in downsizing plan""Federal workers fearful after Supreme Court backs Trump’s mass firings plan""How Trump’s immigration policies could threaten Social Security""Tariffs push companies to rethink traditional forecasts""In new food fad, protein products are no longer just for gym-goers""Microsoft Pledges $4 Billion Toward A.I. Education""A 70-hour work week? Some job listings are foregoing work-life balance"”The disturbing parallels between modern accounting and the business of slavery” from Marketplace We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Even before the catastrophic flooding in Texas, weather experts were ringing alarm bells over how staffing cuts at federal weather agencies could affect the reliability of weather forecasts in the United States. Marketplace’s Amy Scott joins us on the show today to explain how these cuts are impacting the day-to-day at the National Weather Service, and look at other headwinds the agency could face in the future, including privatization efforts and the ever-complicating factor of climate change. Here’s everything we talked about today: "Burning Questions: How do cuts to NOAA impact all of us?""FEMA cuts put more pressure on local disaster relief""Debate erupts over role job cuts played in weather forecasts ahead of deadly Texas floods""Flood predictions could worsen when Trump’s cuts take hold""As Floods Hit, Key Roles Were Vacant at Weather Service Offices in Texas""Republicans want to privatize weather forecasts. Do Trump appointees stand to benefit?" We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.