Make Me Smart

On Canada’s election day, a lively atmosphere unfolds at a polling station in Ontario. Voter turnout is high, driven by economic concerns tied to President Trump's trade war. Canadians are contemplating boycotting American products and opting for local alternatives. The friction between blue-collar workers and affluent citizens highlights a growing national identity. As U.S. policies shape the political landscape, the implications for Canadian businesses and trade relations come into sharp focus, sparking discussions throughout the nation.

Americans expect inflation to rise to 6.5% this year according to the University of Michigan’s latest consumer sentiment survey. That’s the highest outlook since 1981. We’ll explain why those high inflation expectations could be keeping Federal Reserve Chair Powell up at night. And, the deal filmmaker Ryan Coogler made with Warner Bros. to make his latest horror movie “Sinners” is anything but ordinary. Could it shake up the Hollywood studio system? "Trump administration reverses abrupt terminations of foreign students’ US visa registrations" from Politico"Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners' isn't just scaring audiences. It's scaring Hollywood." from MSNBC"Inflation expectations remain at highest level since 1981 even after Trump's 90-day tariff pause" "Pickle, a Fashion App, Lets Strangers Borrow Your Clothes" from The Cut"Subtitling Your Life" from The New Yorker"Is community fact-checking the future of social media moderation?" from Marketplace"The $20,000 American-made electric pickup with no paint, no stereo, and no touchscreen" from The VergeGot a question for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Today, we’re answering questions from our listeners about everything going on in this economy (we know, it’s a lot). Like, whatever happened to that bipartisan bill that would pass authority over tariffs back to Congress? We’ll get into the status of the legislation and how states are jumping into the fight. Plus, we’ll discuss the legality of the Trump administration’s funding freezes and how foreign trade zones are helping some companies avoid sky-high tariffs.Here’s everything we talked about today:“Congress gave presidents power over tariffs. They could aways take it back” from CNN Politics“12 States Sue Trump Over His Tariffs” by The New York Times“Trump says he has 'no intention' of firing Fed Chair Jerome Powell” from AP News“If Trump wants rate cuts, he would likely need to replace the Fed's full board along with Powell” by CNBC“How Congress — and not the president — controls how taxpayer money is spent” from Marketplace“Trump tariffs lead to surge of companies parking imports in tax-free 'foreign trade zones’” from CNBC“How Foreign Trade Zones In The U.S. Came Into Existence” by NPRGot a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Discover the intriguing concept of the 'Ryssdal Window' and its relevance to today's shifting market dynamics. The hosts discuss the ramifications of potential tariff changes on China and the impact on American consumers. With a humorous twist, they explore the consequences of FDA budget cuts on milk testing and public health. Plus, learn about the science behind brewing the perfect cup of coffee. They also dive into quirky news, including a vanity project at the Pentagon, making for an engaging blend of serious topics and lighthearted banter.

Hey Smarties! Today we’re sharing an episode from our friends over at “How We Survive,” Marketplace’s climate solutions podcast. This season, host Amy Scott and the team dig into the rise of environmental, social and governance-based investing, or ESG, and the right wing backlash that followed. In this episode, the story of ESG’s start revolves around some unexpected players: rabbis, nuns and other faith-based investors.

Obamacare is back in the spotlight as the Supreme Court takes on a case that could dismantle preventative care mandates. Meanwhile, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth finds himself in hot water over a signaling group chat. The discussion also takes a historical turn, reminding us that Paul Revere wasn't the only midnight rider warning of threats. Add to that a light-hearted look at personal quirks and a sneak peek into future episodes covering ESG investing and home improvement. It's a mix of politics, history, and fun!

Catherine Ann Edwards, a labor economist and policy consultant, and Richard Weiner, senior counsel at Sidley Austin focusing on international trade, dive into America's shifting economic landscape. They discuss the implications of evolving trade policies and tariffs on small businesses, highlighting a violin shop owner's struggles. The conversation explores the weakening dollar, the complexities of supply chains, and the urgent need for workforce training in future industries like technology and healthcare.

The impact of Trump's immigration policies extends beyond undocumented workers, now threatening green card holders as well. The discussion examines how these actions could disrupt the labor market and affect higher education. A legal case raises questions about due process for immigrants facing deportation. In a lighter segment, the hosts dive into crunchy food trends and the quirky idea of living underwater, highlighting the blending of serious topics with entertaining banter.

The conversation dives into President Trump's bold claim about firing Jerome Powell, linking it to Supreme Court implications. It also revisits the economic factors that sparked the American Revolution, drawing parallels to today’s issues. A fascinating segment celebrates Ken Griffey Jr.'s late-life passion for photography, showcasing his memorable shot at the Masters. The discussion wraps with entertaining anecdotes about former athletes exploring creative careers and a light-hearted critique on the sports commentary landscape.

The hosts explore the intriguing Zeno's paradox and its connection to modern constitutional crises, particularly through recent court challenges facing the Trump administration. They delve into the hidden economics behind luxury goods, revealing how many are overpriced due to their Chinese origins. Plus, they highlight the quirky fascination with the Great Moose Migration, showcasing a fun live-streaming phenomenon. Expect insightful legal discussions peppered with humor and engaging listener interactions!