Make Me Smart With Kai And Molly

Today, we’re picking guest host Amy Scott’s brain about two major news stories: the Baltimore bridge collapse and the recent Realtors settlement. We have lots of questions for the Baltimore resident and senior Marketplace correspondent covering all things housing! Plus, we’ll celebrate an American teen who made figure skating history. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Key Bridge disaster slows or stops Baltimore port jobs” from Marketplace “Maryland legislators hope to help port workers and others affected by the bridge collapse” from Marketplace “Lina Khan – FTC Chair on Amazon Antitrust Lawsuit & AI Oversight” from “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” “Jon Stewart claims Apple wouldn’t let him interview FTC chair on his podcast” from Axios “The U.S. sues Apple, saying it abuses its power to monopolize the smartphone market” from NPR “The Realtors settlement could change ho

General Electric is breaking up! The megacorporation is splintering off into three separate companies. We’ll get into what that means for one of America’s biggest industrial conglomerates. Also, guest host Amy Scott joins us to discuss the dangers of humanitarian work in times of war. And dynamic pricing is coming for checked luggage. We’ll get smart (and angry!) about airline baggage fees. Here’s everything we talked about today: “José Andrés: Let People Eat” from The New York Times “Israel-Hamas war: Aid group halts delivery in Gaza after Israeli strike” from The Associated Press “How José Andrés and World Central Kitchen Became Leaders in Disaster Aid” from The New York Times “We Feed People” documentary from National Geographic  “With GE’s split, the last chapter of the Jack Welch era is over” from Axios “JetBlue’s new checked bag fees now depend on the day” from CNN

It’s spring break for a lot of you. So, today we’re taking you on a little road trip (sort of) to the Southwest. Water is running really low there. As part of the latest season of “How We Survive,” Marketplace’s climate solutions podcast, host Amy Scott traveled across the region to dig into the water tech solutions that are helping communities adapt. So buckle up and get ready to get smart about the water crisis in the West.

Starting today, many fast-food workers in California will be paid $20 an hour under a new minimum-wage law. It’s time for a Kimberly rant! We’ll get into the subsidization of low-wage work, the reals costs behind all the stuff we buy — from burgers to clothes — and who’s picking up the tab. Plus, guest host Reema Khrais reminisces about the early years of Google as the company celebrates 20 years of Gmail. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Fast fashion retailer Shein doubles profits as it awaits IPO approval” from The Guardian “California’s Fast-Food Workers Just Got a Pay Bump” from The New York Times “California’s Crazy ‘Fast Food’ Minimum Wage Takes Effect” from The Wall Street Journal “Your hair looks gorgeous. It cost … what?!” from The Washington Post “Hey, Gen X, Z and millennials: the great wealth transfer could go to health care, not you” from USA Today “Anci

Carmakers are keeping a close eye on the steel industry. A bidding war over U.S. Steel, an iconic American manufacturer, is brewing, and car companies are concerned about antitrust issues and what that could mean for the auto business. We’ll get into it and explain our new theory about why the economy feels so precarious at the moment. Plus, we’ll weigh in on side hustles, raising the retirement age and Beyonce’s rendition of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” in a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: “Automakers urge White House to oppose US Steel sale to Cleveland-Cliffs” from Reuters “Powell says Fed wants to see ‘more good inflation readings’ before it can cut rates” from AP News “Fed chair: Focusing solely on inflation is “no longer appropriate'” from Marketplace “Biology is not as hierarchical as most textbooks paint it” from Aeon 

Even though the economy is going strong, many Americans are still pessimistic about it. We’ll get into how feelings and beliefs about the economy are playing into the 2024 presidential election. Plus, guest host Matt Levin joins us to discuss the latest AI news, including a new state law — known as the ELVIS Act — focused on protecting artists’ voices. And he’ll explain why he has the song “Barbie Girl” (Johnny Cash’s version) stuck in his head. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Bush Campaign Rally” from  C-SPAN “The Media’s Role in Forming Voters’ National Economic Evaluations in 1992” from the American Journal of Political Science “Should politicians know the price of a pint of milk?” from BBC News “The Primary Problem” from Unite America “Johnny Cash Covers Aqua Girl’s ‘Barbie Girl’ Using AI” from Business Insider “New Tennessee law aims to protect

In corporate America, struggling companies often pull a classic move: They promote women to lead them through a crisis. Boeing did just that. We’ll talk about the new boss at Boeing and how the “glass cliff” phenomenon impacts women and people of color moving up the corporate ladder. Also in this episode, a Kai rant about Truth Social and the greater fool theory, why dogs might be even smarter than we think, and is “bazoodaful” a new Kai word? Here’s everything we talked about today: Trump’s Truth Social stock from CNN The greater fool theory from Investopedia “Boeing just pulled a classic corporate America move and promoted a woman to clean up its mess” from Business Insider “Dogs can understand the meaning of nouns, new research finds” from The Guardian “Dogs can understand words for specific objects” from BBC We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org

Today we’re talking about a key voting bloc in this year’s elections: white evangelical Christian voters. In 2016 and 2020, they helped Donald Trump rise to power. NPR’s Sarah McCammon, author of “Exvangelicals,” discusses why evangelicals continue to back Trump, her personal journey leaving evangelicalism and the economic systems built around the evangelical movement. We’ll also talk about the Maryland bridge collapse and the state of U.S. infrastructure. Plus, Neil King Jr., author of the memoir “American Ramble,” answers the Make Me Smart question. Here’s everything we talked about today: “‘You gotta be tough’: White evangelicals remain enthusiastic about Donald Trump” from NPR “How younger voters will impact elections: What is happening to the white evangelical vote?” from Brookings “Why White Evangelicals Stuck with Trump” from the University of Chicago Divinity School “La

This week, the Supreme Court will hear its first major abortion case since the Dobbs decision. We’ll get into how the use of abortion pills has changed post-Roe and the possible revival of a 150-year-old anti-obscenity law. Plus, an update on the efforts to limit judge shopping. And, the story of a woman who completed an extreme running race. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Biden’s Trustbuster Draws Unlikely Fans: ‘Khanservative’ Republicans” from The Wall Street Journal “Showdown in Cowtown” from Politico’s Morning Money “Where a Suit Can Proceed: Court Selection and Forum Shopping” from the Congressional Research Service “Use of Abortion Pills Has Risen Significantly Post Roe, Research Shows” from The New York Times “What is the Comstock Act?” from The 19th “Optimist Pollster Finds Americans Are Far More Alike Than Different, With Shared Values Bridging Political Divides” fro

Since the Congressional Budget Office last released its long-term outlook for the federal deficit and strength of the U.S. economy, things have become a teeny bit better. Why? The CBO points to increased immigration and last year’s spending deal struck between Congress and President Joe Biden. And, we’ll get into the looming commercial real-estate reckoning. Plus, we’ll weigh in on tote bags, Free Blockbuster libraries and more in a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: “PRP Pays $323M For Market Square, D.C.’s Largest Sale In 18 Months” from Bisnow “Budget Office report credits immigration and spending deals with improved outlook despite huge debt” from AP News “The Long-Term Budget Outlook: 2024 to 2054” from the CBO “How the tote bag became the hottest fashion accessory around” from Marketplace “Tired of Streaming? Free Blockbuster Libraries Offer an Alternative.”

Congress is once again in a race against the clock to pass a gargantuan federal spending bill to keep the government up and running past Saturday. We’ll get into it. And, the Joe Biden administration made a groundbreaking investment in Intel’s chip manufacturing business in an effort to spur the domestic semiconductor industry. Plus, Nvidia’s next generation AI chips and Caitlin Clark’s place in the booming world of women’s sports. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Nvidia reveals Blackwell B200 GPU, the ‘world’s most powerful chip’ for AI” from The Verge “CHIPS Act to give Intel $8.5 billion in direct funding, plus loans” from Marketplace “For Women’s Basketball, Caitlin Clark’s Lasting Impact May Be Economic” from The New York Times “NCAA women’s basketball success is about more than Caitlin Clark” from Marketplace Pledge to give monthly to support our newsroom and your donations

Our happiness is slipping. According to Gallup, the U.S. has dropped out of the cohort of 20 happiest countries. What gives? Guest host Matt Levin joins Kimberly Adams to discuss some of the possible economic explanations. Plus, the Joe Biden administration’s efforts to expand women’s health research, and menopause might need more looking into. And, our growing obsession with houseplants. Here’s everything we talked about today: “What’s the Happiest Country on Earth?” from Gallup “The U.S. is falling in global happiness and this time it’s young people’s fault” from Quartz “Biden just signed the largest executive order focused on women’s health” from The 19th “Bayer to seek approval for menopausal relief drug after third trial win” from Reuters “Is menopause getting worse? Scientists say it is.” from The Washington Post “Parkinson’s Disease Can Now Be Detected Thro

Today, we’re bringing you a special series from “Marketplace Morning Report” that explores how communities are impacted by the absence of local news coverage, especially in a big election year. As part of the “Democracy in the Desert” series, host David Brancaccio travels to “news deserts” in Texas, North Carolina and Virginia to learn how various business models are struggling to inform voters, and where newspaper economics went wrong. Pledge your monthly support for our newsroom and your donations will be matched for a full year by the Investors Challenge Fund!

Five months into the Israel-Hamas war, the United Nations is warning of “imminent famine” in northern Gaza. Guest host Samantha Fields discusses the challenge of getting food aid delivered to the region. Plus, the nation’s largest employer is considering pay transparency laws. Then, we’ll smile about cherry blossoms and the upcoming solar eclipse. Here’s everything we talked about today: “UN says famine is ‘imminent’ in northern Gaza as Israel launches another raid on main hospital” from The Associated Press “The first ship to use a new sea route delivers aid to Gaza, Israeli military says” from The Associated Press Data on Gaza Strip Acute Food Insecurity from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification “Senators Urge Biden to Stop Arming Israel, Citing Violation of U.S. Aid Law” from The New York Times Acquisition Regulation: Pay Equity and Transparency in Federal Contracting A Snapsho

On today’s edition of Economics on Tap, we’ll get into some news while celebrating cherry blossom season in Washington, D.C. The National Association of Realtors agreed to settle a slew of lawsuits and change its rules on commissions. We’ll discuss how the fallout could impact the way we buy and sell homes in the United States. And, an usual political money phenomenon is the hot new thing in political strategy. Plus, we’ll play a blossom-themed round of This or That! Here’s everything we talked about today: “Kushner Developing Deals Overseas Even as His Father-in-Law Runs for President” from The New York Times “Boeing Tells Airlines to Check 787 Cockpit Seats After Mishap on Latam Flight” from The Wall Street Journal “An Obscure Group Hounded Kyrsten Sinema for Years — and It Worked. Is This a Sign of Things to Come?” from Politico “National Association of Realtors Agrees to Slash Commissions to Settle Laws

Reddit, a somewhat untamed fixture of the internet, is launching an initial public offering of its shares. We’ll get into why the company’s culture could become an obstacle to profitability and whether Reddit might get the meme stock treatment its users famously dished out in the past. And, the TikTok creators who’d be most affected by a nationwide ban are the social media company’s greatest lobbyists. Plus, the impact Family Dollar store closures could have on food deserts and an incredible feat by American sailor Cole Brauer. Here’s everything we talked about today: “TikTok’s ‘Juicy Body Goddess’ speaks to CNN about potential ban” from CNN Politics “TikTok creators say House ban threatens lives and livelihoods” from The Washington Post “There is something core to Reddit that is extremely powerful, says former Reddit CEO Ellen Pao” from CNBC Television “Reddit will let users participate in its IPO” f

Today, the House of Representatives passed a bill that could ban TikTok in the U.S. We’ll weigh the national security risks behind the app and its growing impact on American culture. Plus, how bitcoin bounced back, a crackdown on judge shopping (yes, that’s a thing) and why we’re glad our podcast isn’t owned by a billionaire! Here’s everything we talked about today: “What to Know About the TikTok Bill That the House Passed” from The New York Times “Bitcoin Hits Record $72,000, Emboldening Crypto Industry” from The New York Times “Bitcoin soars to record high following UK approval of crypto asset” from ABC News “Bitcoin Rally Is Minting More Than 1,500 ‘Millionaire Wallets’ a Day” from Business Insider “Federal courts move against ‘judge-shopping'” from Politico “Don Lemon says Elon Musk canceled his new show after ‘tense’ interview

Boycotts have been making headlines lately, from the movement to boycott Israel over the war in Gaza, which has hit companies like Starbucks and McDonald’s, to a new right-wing boycott of Doritos over the brand’s decision to partner with a trans influencer. Consumer boycott campaigns are frequently tossed around in the news cycle. But do they really make a difference in the long run? On the show today, Brayden King at the Kellogg School of Management explains why boycotts don’t usually affect a company’s bottom line, where boycotts actually do make an impact and how social media has changed the way these campaigns work. Plus, the difference between boycotts and buycotts. Then, a reminder that inflation’s ride down is a bumpy one. And, this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question comes from Jasmine Harris, author of “Black Women, Ivory Tower.” Here’s everything we talked about today: “Shopping has become a political act. Here’s how i

New data shows Black and Latino voters are shifting away from the Democratic Party and toward the GOP. But is this shift real? We’ll get into it and discuss the possible economic forces at play. Plus, what you really need to know about President Joe Biden’s budget proposal. And, the similarities between humans and bumblebees! Here’s everything we talked about today: “White House Forecasts Somewhat Higher Interest Rates” from The Wall Street Journal Survey on racial realignment in American politics from John Burn-Murdoch on X “Bees Reveal a Human-Like Collective Intelligence We Never Knew Existed” from ScienceAlert “Ancient Rome successfully fought against voter intimidation − a political story told on a coin that resonates today” from The Conversation We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Apple has abandoned its effort to make an autonomous electric vehicle. We’ll get into why the company’s venture flopped and what it says about the supply chain for electric vehicle parts. Then, we’ll explain how a Texas federal judge’s ruling is upending race-based aid for businesses. And, guest host Sabri Ben-Achour tells us how he created a flower. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: “How Apple Sank About $1 Billion a Year Into a Car It Never Built” from Bloomberg “Federal judge in Texas rules that minority-business aid must be offered to all races” from The Houston Chronicle “Federal judge in Texas says agency created to help minority-owned businesses must provide assistance to all races” from CNN Politics “Retailers take on Amazon Prime with new subscription services” from Marketplace “The IRS pilots its free tax-filing pro