A Republican-written spending bill is being backed by some Senate Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, to avoid a government shutdown. Other Democrats — and much of the voter base — aren’t happy. We’ll get into it. Then, we’ll close out the week with a round of Half Full/Half Empty, weighing in on Southwest Airlines’ new checked bag policy and $19 strawberries. Plus, in the wake of a certain duchess’ foray into television, what are your thoughts on celeb cooking shows? Here’s everything we talked about today: “The Siberian Bone Hunters Diving for Ice Age Mammoth Fossils” from The New York Times “Dr. Oz, with a TV host’s flair, promises simple solutions for America’s health care ills” by Politico “Schumer Under Fire as Pelosi and Other Democrats Criticize Shutdown Retreat” from The New York Times “Half-Past Four is the New Five O’Clock in More Efficient Workday” from Bloomberg “5 Takeaways From Meghan Markle’s Netflix Show ‘With Love, Meghan’” from The New York Times “Why does the viral Erewhon strawberry cost $19?” from Marketplace “Southwest Airlines is charging for checked bags. Will loyal flyers stick around?” from USA Today Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

In this episode, Kai and Kimberly divide into the back and forth over tariffs. The on-again, off-again levies are making it tough for industries to plan and trade. With all the uncertainty, are markets — from stocks to agriculture — on the verge of becoming untradable? Plus, we’ll wryly smile at a biting, century-old song about farmers who were ticked off about tariffs. (Thanks to our listener, Robert, for sharing his rendition!) Here’s everything we talked about today: “China’s retaliatory tariffs on agricultural goods will squeeze farmers” from Marketplace “Chinese tariffs on U.S. farm products take effect as trade tensions mount” by The Washington Post “An ‘Untradable’ Market: Trump Sows Profound Uncertainty for Stocks” from The New York Times “Nebraska folklore pamphlet: Farmers’ Alliance songs of the 1890’s” from Nebraska Memories, a digitized archival project from the Nebraska Library Commission Join us tomorrow for “Economics on Tap.” The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

A new contender has entered the podcast landscape: wait, is that California Governor Gavin Newsom? His show features a surprisingly conservative guest list, including MAGA stars Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk. Kai and Kimberly break down the fourth wall and discuss whether there’s value in platforming guests who hold a different set of values. Plus, more federal layoffs took place this past week, this time in the U.S. Department of Education and its civil rights division. Then, the hosts get smiley about rescue dogs in a sled dog race (thanks, Abigail!) and the birds in Kai’s neighborhood. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Gavin Newsom Finds Some Surprising Common Ground With Steve Bannon” from The New York Times “Massive Layoffs at the Department of Education Erode Its Civil Rights Division” by ProPublica “U.S. Department of Education Launches “End DEI” Portal” from the U.S. Department of Education “This Iditarod musher is racing with mostly rescue dogs from Alaska shelters” from Alaska Public Media Kai’s been using Merlin Bird ID from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to identify birds in his neighborhood Meanwhile, Kimberly’s uses the Seek app to help her tell the difference between weeds and plants in her garden Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

David Wallace-Wells, a science writer for The New York Times, discusses the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on American society. He highlights how the rush to recover often neglected the collective trauma experienced, resulting in increased individualism and less empathy. Wallace-Wells points out the shift from public health responses to a privatized approach and reflects on how this impacts trust in institutions. The conversation also dives into the new consumer behaviors shaped by the pandemic and personal stories from listeners about their experiences.

The future of clean energy tax credits hangs in the balance as GOP lawmakers show support for their continuation, even as the administration rolls back climate resiliency measures. Tensions rise with the arrest of a pro-Palestinian activist, sparking discussions about civil liberties and activism in education. Lively banter also includes the cherry blossoms in D.C. making their annual comeback, providing a refreshing contrast to the heavier political themes.

The Trump Organization's lawsuit against Capital One raises eyebrows over consumer protection laws. A deep dive into media bias and the Pentagon's historical censorship highlights the challenges of accessing accurate information. Recent legal changes from the White House could reshape law firm dynamics. Meanwhile, discussions on Trump’s Bitcoin strategy and tariff impacts add a modern twist. The playful debate on the 2026 World Cup halftime show rounds off a mix of serious themes and lighthearted banter, reflecting on leadership accountability and pandemic lessons.

Donald Trump administration officials disbanded two expert committees on economic data this week and suggested altering the way the U.S. calculates gross domestic product. It’s not the first time the administration has hinted at fiddling with important numbers, and a listener wrote in to ask how all this might impact businesses and the market. We’ll break it down. Plus, why is nobody talking about the debt limit? And, congrats to Bill in Ohio on scoring a hat trick! Here’s everything we talked about today: “Trump administration disbands two expert panels on economic data” from Reuters “Can the U.S. delete government spending from GDP?” from Marketplace “Key House Republican Warns May Debt-Ceiling Breach Possible” from Bloomberg “Explainer: Why would the US government shut down?” from Reuters “A campus sign said ‘Tell us something good.’ Students delivered.” from The Washington Post 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 episode, we’re discussing a pair of recent rulings about the Trump administration’s efforts to cut foreign aid and fire federal workers, leaving us with a “Through the Looking-Glass” moment, where the nonsensical is reality. Plus, we’ll explain some ways to catch a breath in the midst of uncertain economic times. And, we’ll smile at a math problem solved through the power of anime fans. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Supreme Court Rejects Trump’s Bid to Freeze Foreign Aid” from The New York Times “How to handle the stress of tariff escalation and stock market jitters” from The Washington Post “‘He Finally Shot the Hostage’: Trump’s Trade War Is a Brutal Reality Check” from Politico “OPM retroactively edits probationary firing guidance to note it did not order probationary firings” from Government Executive “How Anime Fans Stumbled upon a Mathematical Proof” from Scientific American “Steve Carell tells students affected by wildfires that prom tickets are paid for” from The Washington Post Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

The National Women’s Soccer League’s regular season kicks off next week. And thanks in part to a record-breaking media rights agreement and the growth of women’s professional sports across the board, the league is gaining more attention — and investment — than ever. Angel City Football Club became the highest-valued women’s sports team in the world last year when Willow Bay and Bob Iger acquired a controlling stake in the franchise for $250 million. Julie Uhrman, the team’s CEO and co-founder, says Angel City is just the beginning. On the show today, Uhrman explains how she and her co-founders got investors to see their vision, why a game day experience that leaves you with FOMO is key to Angel City’s growth, and how to watch the NWSL’s season. Later, how proposed funding cuts at the National Institutes of Health could leave a generational impact on the United States’ reputation as a science leader. And Adam Grant, host of the “Re:Thinking” podcast, answers the Make Me Smart question. Here’s everything we talked about today: “How Angel City became ‘the most valuable women’s sports team in the world’ with new owners” from The Athletic “Ranking new 2025 NWSL team jerseys: Which kits hit?” from ESPN “Without the Draft, NWSL Clubs Are Navigating a Changing Landscape in College Recruitment” from Sports Illustrated “NWSL announces landmark media partnerships with CBS Sports, ESPN, Prime Video and Scripps Sports” from NWSL “National Women’s Soccer League Playoffs Docuseries Gets Premiere Date At Prime Video” from Deadline Listen: Adam Grant’s interview with Sabri Ben-Achour on Marketplace Morning Report Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.  

The decline in 10-year Treasury yields sparks fascinating discussion around its implications for borrowing costs and consumer impact amid economic uncertainty. Insights into the potential consequences of restricting public participation in health policy reveal concerns over transparency. Meanwhile, tales from a vibrant Carnival in Venice bring joy to the forefront, highlighting its cultural significance and the challenges of over-tourism. The hosts weave together personal anecdotes and pressing issues, creating an engaging tapestry of modern economic and social dynamics.