Make Me Smart

In this insightful discussion, Patrick Eddington, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute with expertise in civil liberties, delves into the controversial deployment of the National Guard in U.S. cities. He highlights the Guard's evolving role and the legal challenges surrounding these unprecedented actions. Eddington warns of the dangers of politicizing military presence, especially ahead of elections. He also emphasizes the historical concerns of military intimidation in civilian spaces and offers recommendations for citizen action and reform.

Henry Epp, a Marketplace reporter with a background in local journalism from Vermont, explores the maturing craft beer industry. He discusses why growth is slowing, highlighting rising costs and shifting consumer tastes. The conversation also touches on governmental power moves during the Trump administration's shutdown. Additionally, they delve into tech trends like the end of AOL dial-up and the implications of AI-generated content in college submissions, offering insights into the changing landscape of media and education.

Molly Reynolds, the interim vice president at the Brookings Institution and a federal budget expert, joins Kimberly to dissect the chaos surrounding government shutdowns. They explore how shutdowns became a political tool and the complexities added during the Trump administration. Molly highlights the implications of a shrinking discretionary budget and the constraints imposed by continuing resolutions. The discussion also touches on the broader impacts of shutdowns on federal workers and local economies, ultimately calling for Congress to reclaim its budgetary authority.

David Brancaccio, the host of Marketplace Morning Report, shares insights from Las Vegas amidst a troubling tourism decline. He reveals the impact on local businesses, highlighting interviews with owners like Wani Romero detailing decreased sales. The conversation explores who is avoiding Vegas—especially Californians, Canadians, and visitors from China—due to economic and geopolitical factors. With rising prices causing 'sticker shock' for tourists, Brancaccio paints a concerning picture of the city’s economy and its potential recovery.

Elizabeth Kolbert, a Pulitzer Prize-winning science writer and New Yorker staff writer, dives into the economic implications of the climate crisis. She discusses how climate-related disruptions are projected to cost trillions, affecting real estate and investments. Kolbert sheds light on the urgent need for renewable energy and explores the potential of decarbonization as a viable solution. She emphasizes the role of local action and innovation in combating climate issues, while warning about the persistent political and societal challenges that hinder progress.

Ava White, an Alaska Public Media reporter, dives into the exciting world of Fat Bear Week, explaining its importance and introducing fan-favorite contenders. She highlights the challenges facing Alaskans, like declining purchasing power from the Permanent Fund Dividend and federal legislation impacting local communities. The conversation shifts to quirky topics, including the rise of Hamburger Helper sales and the implications of AI in live translation. Ava also shares her recipe for blueberry-infused vodka, blending local culture with current issues.

Dan Runcie, founder of Trapital, shares his expertise on the evolving music industry and the impact of AI on copyright laws. He discusses the implications of Anthropic's recent settlement for record labels embroiled in their own lawsuits. Runcie sheds light on the complexities of fair use versus infringement, especially with AI generating music. He also highlights the challenges stars face in creating viral hits today and the growing trend of artists pulling their catalogs from platforms as a statement. It's a captivating dive into the future of music and technology!

Joshua Eisenman, a politics professor at the Keough School of Global Affairs, joins to discuss shifts in American soft power under President Trump. He highlights the U.S. retreat from global institutions and how this impacts its credibility. Eisenman explores how China is capitalizing on this moment to gain influence, emphasizing the effects on smaller countries caught in the U.S.-China rivalry. He also contrasts the U.S.'s transactional diplomacy with China's long-term relational strategies, providing insights into the changing global landscape.

Join Marlon Hyde, a business and economics reporter for WABE in Atlanta, as he delves into the shocking ICE raid at a Hyundai facility that has strained U.S.-South Korea relations. They discuss local immigrant reactions and the economic fallout, including the concerns of Atlanta small business owners grappling with rising tariffs and cost challenges. Plus, the conversation takes a light turn with a game of Half Full/Half Empty, tackling everything from declining movie attendance to the future of in-flight Wi-Fi!

Ayanna Pressley, a U.S. Representative from Massachusetts and a member of the House Financial Services Committee, highlights the alarming rise in unemployment among Black women. She passionately calls for the Federal Reserve to take action, arguing that their employment mandate must explicitly include this demographic. Pressley also discusses the broader implications of anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion measures and their disproportionate effects on Black women, emphasizing the urgent need for legislative responses.