The IRS has successfully recouped $1.3 billion from wealthy tax evaders, thanks to new funding for enforcement. Meanwhile, there's a fresh probe into airline rewards programs sparking debates. The discussion takes a lighthearted turn with a game analyzing the cultural value of musical-turned-movie remakes. In financial news, the challenges of retirement saving come to light, while private equity's potential role in the NFL raises eyebrows. Don't forget to check out some fun summer jams on their curated playlist!

The discussion kicks off with Vice President Harris proposing a capital gains tax hike, showcasing an attempt to win over corporate supporters. Next, the conflict between Disney and DirecTV leads to major channel outages, leaving viewers frustrated. The podcast also dives into the struggles of Medicaid patients accessing GLP-1 weight loss drugs, highlighting issues of health equity. Lastly, insights into the restaurant industry reveal a shift towards fast-casual dining amid ongoing labor shortages and inflation adjustments.

Discover the latest enterprise AI launch from Anthropic, designed for businesses looking to enhance efficiency. Delve into the implications of AI on creative jobs and personal writing styles, while addressing concerns over job displacement. The conversation shifts to pivotal actions by the Biden administration against Russian interference in the upcoming election. Plus, marvel at the fascinating discovery of ancient fish fossils and recognize the unsung heroes in coal mining safety efforts. Tune in for a blend of tech, politics, and appreciation for public service!

This year alone, cryptocurrency companies have spent over $119 million on pro-crypto candidates in federal races across the country. That’s almost half of all corporate money spent on this year’s election. But can all this crypto money really sway elections? Lee Reiners, crypto policy expert at the Duke Financial Economics Center, explains what the crypto industry is hoping to accomplish with its election spending, the myth behind the “crypto-vote” and why former President Donald Trump is vying to become the “crypto-president.” Then, we’ll get into the U.S. government’s big penny problem. And, Boeing’s history in the spaceflight sector, and more to celebrate as the Paralympics continue.  Here’s everything we talked about today: “Crypto firms have spent more than $119 million on 2024 elections” from Marketplace “Crypto’s ‘huge moment’ scrambling US politics” from Politico “Why Republicans are embracing bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies” from Marketplace “How Crypto Money Is Poised to Influence the Election” from The New York Times “Harris triggers crypto tug-of-war between Democrats” from Politico “America Must Free Itself from the Tyranny of the Penny” from The New York Times “This Once Hot Real-Estate Type Is Now Being Offered as Office Space” from The Wall Street Journal We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

President Biden has forgiven a staggering $167.3 billion in student loan debt, yet hurdles remain for his ambitious relief plans. The impacts on his economic legacy are discussed, alongside insights on how the falling 30-year mortgage rate signals shifts in Federal Reserve policies. A lighthearted segment features a game of 'This or That,' where the hosts share quirky travel stories and humorous anecdotes about personal quirks. Expect interesting takes on TikTok trends and a memorable summer playlist too!

The CEO of Klarna, a leader in the buy now, pay later service industry, reveals bold plans to drastically reduce the workforce by leveraging artificial intelligence. This could change the landscape of employment in tech, raising concerns about employee stress and workload. The conversation also touches on Nvidia's impressive revenue growth, yet perplexing market reactions, and a lawsuit exposing rental pricing manipulation. Finally, there's a celebration of Team USA's thrilling win in wheelchair rugby, showcasing extraordinary athletic achievements.

Home improvement giant Lowe’s is the latest company to scale back its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts under pressure from conservative groups. This shift raises questions about the future of corporate responsibility. The discussion also highlights alarming signs for the global economy, including youth unemployment in Asia and Africa's looming debt crisis. Meanwhile, there's excitement brewing for the upcoming Paralympics, showcasing community engagement and inspiring conversations around sports.

Chuck Aoki, an accomplished American Paralympic wheelchair rugby player, brings thrilling insights just ahead of the Paris Paralympics. He discusses the excitement surrounding adaptive sports and how wheelchair rugby, known as ‘murderball,’ operates under a unique classification system. Aoki emphasizes the growing visibility of the Paralympics, driven by live broadcasts and social media. The conversation also touches on healthcare innovations, specifically the impact of direct-to-consumer programs by pharmaceutical companies on drug pricing.

The trial weighing the merger of Kroger and Albertsons, two grocery titans, begins today. We’ll explain what the biggest supermarket merger in U.S. history could mean for everyday shoppers and why the federal government wants to put a stop to it. Plus, we’ll get into the latest of Boeing’s woes: its Starliner spacecraft. Can the company’s failures teach us something about the business of spaceflight? And, SpaceX is ready to launch a mission for the first-ever commercial spacewalk. Here’s everything we talked about today: “What Kroger-Albertsons merger trial with FTC means for your grocery store” from The Washington Post “New Boeing CEO Faces Hard Choices After NASA Snubs Starliner for SpaceX” from Bloomberg “Flight attendants speak out about low pay, debt and homelessness” from The Washington Post “IUD insertion pain is complicated. Doctors say the new CDC guidelines are only a start.” from NBC News “Here’s What the CDC’s New IUD Pain Management Recommendations Mean in Practice” from Self “SpaceX to Launch Billionaire on First-Ever Private Spacewalk” from Bloomberg We love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

This conversation dives into the Democratic Party's tricky dance with billionaires, revealing tensions between populism and elite fundraising. They also explore how the party is targeting younger voters through social media influencers. The chat touches on a revival of print media and a quirky look at the 'lipstick index' as an economic gauge. Plus, a lighthearted debate erupts over the seasonal arrival of the pumpkin spice latte and whether it’s too early to celebrate. It's a delightful mix of politics, culture, and humor!