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 Axios
This 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 makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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