Episodit
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Negotiators at the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP29, agreed on wealthy nations providing up to $300 billion a year to help poorer countries deal with the effects of climate change. We discuss the deal falling short of the $1.3 trillion poorer countries asked for. Then, we talk about how Tesla’s pollution violations could weaken the company’s eco-friendly image. And, we look at the costly Arizona program heralded by school choice advocates as a taxpayer-supported way to opt out of public schools. Plus, U.S. farm groups are preparing for possible mass deportations under the incoming Trump administration. Finally, we’ll smile at an A.I.-generated granny as an unlikely hero to combat phone scams.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
âAs Musk Assumes Deregulation Role, Tesla Racks Up Pollution Violationsâ from The Wall Street JournalâDeveloping nations blast $300 billion COP29 climate deal as insufficientâ from ReutersâNo-Limit Vouchers Are Blowing Up Arizonaâs Budget. This Woman Is Leading the Wayâ from PoliticoâUS farm groups want Trump to spare their workers from deportationâ from ReutersâAn A.I. Granny Is Phone Scammersâ Worst Nightmareâ from The New York TimesâGiving thanks may make your brain more altruisticâ from VoxâThe Case for Being Ungratefulâ from The Wall Street JournalWe love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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The National Women’s Soccer League is in the final stages of adding its 16th team. We’ll explain what it can tell us about the rise of the women’s sports industry. And, the Supreme Court will review the funding model of a federal program that subsidizes internet and phone services in low-income areas of the country. Plus, we’ll weigh in on condiments and pie during a Thanksgiving-themed game of This or That!
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“NWSL expansion: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver final options” from ESPN“Denver named finalist for National Womenâs Soccer League expansion team alongside Cincinnati, Cleveland” from The Denver Post“Homes With Low Natural Disaster Risk Are Rising in Value Faster Than Homes With High Risk for the First Time in Over a Decade” from Redfin“Supreme Court steps into fight over FCCâs $8 billion subsidies for internet and phone services” from AP News“Supreme Court takes up dispute over FCC fund that subsidizes telecom services in rural areas” from CBS NewsWe love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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President-elect Donald Trump tapped Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick as his choice for Secretary of Commerce this week. We’ll get into why the role could be critical to the incoming Trump administration, which has vowed to enact sweeping tariffs. Then, we’ll explain why earnings at big-box retailers like Target and Walmart have been mixed ahead of the holiday season, and how the Justice Department wants to shakeup Google’s monopoly over the online search market. Plus, why is Bitcoin on a record-breaking streak?
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Trump picks Lutnick to be Commerce secretary” from CNNâWho will lead the Commerce Department?â from MarketplaceâTargetâs Stock Plunges 21% on Weak Sales Ahead of Holiday Seasonâ from The New York TimesâA tale of two retailers: Target reports sluggish spending while Walmart has a stellar quarterâ from The Associated PressâDOJ says Google must sell Chrome to crack open its search monopolyâ from The VergeâBitcoin hits fresh record, marches toward $100,000 as rally continuesâ from CNBCJoin us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.
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Comcast said it plans to turn its cable networks, including CNBC and MSNBC, into a new, separate company. Weâll get into why it could be a sign of whatâs to come in the media industry. And, the Joe Biden administration is shifting into overdrive trying to spend money intended to boost microchip manufacturing before President-elect Donald Trump returns to office. Plus, we’ll smile about breakthroughs in automatic braking technology and a new version of chess that’s pushing the game forward.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Comcast to Spin Off MSNBC, CNBC and Other Cable Networks” from The New York Times“Itâs Official! Comcast To Spin Off Cable Networks, Sees New Standalone Company A ‘Partner And Acquirer’ Of Media Assets” from Deadline“Raimondoâs new mission: Leave no cash for Trump” from Politico“Automatic Braking Systems Save Lives. Now They’ll Need to Work at 62 MPH” from Wired“The Greatest Chess Player of All Time Is Bored With Chess” from The Wall Street JournalWe love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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Today we’re talking about American exceptionalism: the idea that the United States is a uniquely virtuous nation and a “shining city on a hill.” It’s a belief that’s long shaped how the U.S. acts on the global stage and how Americans see themselves, the economy and democracy. In the aftermath of the U.S. presidential election, many Americans are questioning the idea of exceptionalism.
Journalist Suzy Hansen challenges the notion of American exceptionalism in her book “Notes on a Foreign Country: An American Abroad in a Post-American World.” On the show today, she explains where the idea of American exceptionalism comes from, how it has shaped today’s world, and why many Americans are disillusioned with it. Plus, is a new version of national pride the answer to the pitfalls of American exceptionalism?
Then, weâll get into the creative ways the European Union is preparing for President-elect Donald Trump’s promised tariffs. Plus, perspectives from an American abroad and thoughts on mandatory national service.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Unlearning the myth of American innocence” from The Guardian“Opinion | Is America a City on a Hill or a Nation on the Precipice?” from The New York Times“The End of American Exceptionalism: Trumpâs Reelection Will Redefine U.S. Power” from Foreign Affairs“American Exceptionalism Is a Dangerous Myth” from Intelligencer“The US is leaving millions behind: American exceptionalism needs to change by 2030” from The Brookings Institution“Democrats look at late-night, weekend votes to confirm last Biden judicial nominees” from The Hill“Locked and loaded? The EU weapons to fight Trumpâs trade war.” from Politico“Oil Glut Set to Thwart Trumpâs Call to âFrack, Frack, Frackâ” from BloombergWe love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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Some critics of President-elect Donald Trump are preparing for the possibility of being prosecuted when he takes office. Weâll discuss Trumpâs “retributionâ agenda. Then, weâll get into his pick to lead the Federal Communications Commission. Plus, what a meeting between “Morning Joe” hosts and Trump represents about access to information during the next administration. And, we’ll smile at the woman behind the curtain who inspired the “Wicked” lore.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Morning Joeâ Hosts Reveal Meeting With Trump at Mar-a-Lagoâ from The New York Times“Brendan Carr wrote the FCC chapter in âProject 2025.â Now heâs Trumpâs pick for the agency” from CNN Business“DoJ and FBI officials consult lawyers amid threats of Trump legal retribution | Trump administration” from The Guardian“Go bags, passports, foreign assets: Preparing to be a target of Trumpâs revenge” from The Washington PostâThe Feminist Who Inspired the Witches of Ozâ from Smithsonian MagazineWe love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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The United States is on a mission to revitalize its chip manufacturing industry by giving billions in grants and loans to companies including Intel. But mistakes have cost Intel the opportunity to lead in artificial intelligence. Guest host Sabri Ben-Achour explains how the company fell behind. And, President-elect Donald Trump tapped Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency is responsible for more than you might think. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“What to know about HHS and how RFK Jr. could lead it” from Axios“The Anti-Fluoride Movement Vaults Into the Mainstream” from The New York Times“The Great American Microchip Mobilization” from Wired“Satire publication The Onion buys Alex Jones’ Infowars at auction with Sandy Hook families’ backing” from AP News“The Great Migration to Bluesky Gives Me Hope for the Future of the Internet” from 404 Media“Want to Network in Silicon Valley? Bring a Bathing Suit” from The Wall Street Journal“Good-bye to the Broker Fee” from Curbed“Americans Are Hoarding Their Friends” from The AtlanticWe love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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Over the course of his campaign, President-elect Donald Trump made a lot of promises. What does that mean for the years ahead? Today weâre answering your questions about Trump’s second term. We’ll explain whether the Trump administration could actually eliminate the Department of Education, how income tax cuts for tips and overtime pay could impact the economy, and where the Biden administration’s student debt relief plans go from here. Plus, if not tariffs, then what?
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Could Trump actually get rid of the Department of Education?” from Vox“Is It Possible for Trump to Shut the Department of Education?” from The New York Times“Donald Trump Tax Plan Ideas: Details and Analysis” from the Tax Foundation“Both Harris and Trump want to eliminate federal taxes on tips” from Marketplace“As the election nears, Bidenâs student debt agenda is in tatters. Will it hurt Harris?” from USA Today“What a Trump presidency might mean for student loan forgiveness” from NPR“As Trump Threatens a Wider Trade War, the U.S. Confronts a Changed China” from The New York Times“Why Alternatives To Tariffs Can Be More Effective” from NPR“Nontariff Barrier: Definition, How It Works, Types, and Examples” from InvestopediaHeads up: Tomorrow’s “Economics on Tap” episode won’t be livestreamed on our YouTube channel. But you can still listen wherever you get your podcasts.
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President Biden’s hallmark Inflation Reduction Act set aside nearly $150 billion for various climate projects. But not all of that money has been spent, and President-elect Trump has vowed to take it back. The question, is how much money is leftover? Kimberly explains why it’s taken years to get the money out the door. Plus, we’ll unpack some gains in women’s sports and wage growth.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Carbon emissions from fossil fuels hit record highs in 2024: report” from Axios“Dreaming of snow this winter? Look up the forecast in your area.” from The Washington Post“Fossil fuel CO2 emissions increase again in 2024” from the Global Carbon Project“The mystery number thatâs key to whether Bidenâs spending survives” from Politico“Women’s baseball players could soon have a league of their own again” from AP NewsTweet from The Washington Post’s Heather Long about wage growthGot a question for the hosts about the election, Trumpâs next presidency and the U.S. economy? Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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COP29, the United Nations’ annual climate summit, is underway in Azerbaijan. This yearâs conference is all about how the world will pay to deal with climate change. But Donald Trump’s election victory looms large over the talks. President-elect Trump could roll back United States climate policy like he did during his first term. On the show today, Gautam Jain, senior research scholar at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy, explains why climate investment won’t come to a complete halt under the next Trump administration. Plus, he weighs in on who might fill the void in global energy transition talks.
Plus, the message ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods is sending Trump about the nation’s energy policy. And, how early is too early for Christmas lights?
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“What Trump can do to reverse US climate policy â and what he probably canât change” from The Conversation“COP29: What are the key issues at the UN climate summit in Baku?” from Reuters“Trump Victory Leaves China Calling the Shots at COP29 Climate Negotiations” from The Wall Street Journal“Burning Questions: What are the climate wins and setbacks from the election?” from Marketplace“Exxon chief urges stability in US climate policy, knocks carbon border tariffs” from PoliticoWe want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at [email protected].
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A new report estimates global damages from extreme weather events between 2014 and 2023 at about $2 trillion, roughly in line with the 2008 financial crisis. It comes as world leaders meet at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, or Cop29, under the shadow of President-elect Donald Trump’s promises to roll back environmental standards. We’ll get into what it all might mean for climate policy here at home. Plus, is economic growth abroad in Trump’s hands? Then, we’ll smile at Mattel’s mea culpa for a misprint on its new “Wicked” toys.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“âScience is still scienceâ: US still committed to climate fight despite Trumpâs win, Podesta says at COP29” from PoliticoâA shadow âfinancial crisisâ has cost the world $2 trillionâ from CNN“Rest of Worldâs Growth Is at Trumpâs Mercy” from The Wall Street Journal“FDA to Finally Ban Controversial Ingredient in Popular Decongestants” from ScienceAlert“Mattel Apologizes for Porn Site Misprint on âWickedâ Toy Packaging” from The Wall Street JournalGot a question for the hosts about the election, Trumpâs next presidency and the U.S. economy? Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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The richest man in the world just became even more influential after pouring millions into former President Donald Trump’s reelection campaign. Tesla shares soared after Trump’s win and CEO Elon Musk was already invited to join a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. We’ll get into what the cozy relationship between Trump and Musk could mean for the U.S. economy and national security. And, we’ll talk about the many Americans who are looking to move abroad in the face of the U.S. election results. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Scoop: Elon Musk joined Trump’s call with Zelensky” from Axios“Tesla hits $1 trillion market cap as stock rallies after Trump win” from CNBC“Exhausted by the Election, Some Americans Are Catching Flights Abroad” from The New York Times“American interest in Canadian citizenship is spiking again after Trumpâs victory” from Politico“Nvidia, Sherwin-Williams to replace Intel, Dow on Dow Jones” from Marketplace“Steven Madden C.E.O. Says It Is Moving Production Out of China” from The New York Times“Painting by A.I.-Powered Robot Sells for $1.1 Million” from The New York Times“Pad Thai, Spring Rolls and a Side of Peacock? Why Streamers Are Teaming Up With Delivery Apps” from The Hollywood Reporter“Should cars still have AM radios? Congress might require them.” from MarketplaceGot a question for the hosts about the election, Trumpâs next presidency and the U.S. economy? Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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Today we’re handing the microphone over to our listeners to tell us how they’re reacting to the outcome of this week’s presidential election. We’ll hear their concerns about the future of transgender health care, the long-term economic impact of a second Trump presidency and why â even though it can be daunting â we can all make change if we start in our local communities. Plus, is this our Brexit moment?
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Want to protect our democracy? Start here!” from our episode with lawyer and author Emily Amick“For trans people reliant on federal programs, this election could change everything” from 19th News“How to get your elected officials to listen to you” from Vox“5 ways Trump’s next presidency could affect the U.S. economy â and your money” from CBS NewsGot a question for the hosts about the election, Trump’s next presidency and the U.S. economy? Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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The Democratic Party has traditionally been pro-union and relied on the support of the working class. But the results of yesterday’s election show the tide may be turning. We’ll get into how President-elect Trump enamored these voters to win another term in the White House and how we can expect a new Trump administration to shake up the economy and defy democratic norms. Plus, we’ll talk about some of the trailblazers elected to Congress and state offices.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Who is Bernie Moreno, Ohioâs new GOP senator-elect and crypto champion?” from The Washington Post“Sarah McBride becomes the first out transgender person elected to Congress” from NBC News“How markets are responding to the prospect of another Trump presidency” from Marketplace“Black women notch historic Senate wins in an election year defined by potential firsts” from AP News“Meet the history-makers of the 2024 elections” from CNN Politics“How could the return of Trump-era ‘Schedule F’ job appointments reshape the federal workforce?” from Marketplace“Donald Trump Has Tools to Fire Powerful Financial Regulator in Term Two” from BloombergSend us all your thoughts, feelings and questions about the election. You can email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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Today weâre talking about a breakout story of this election cycle: the rise of prediction markets and betting on elections. For the first time in a century, Americans can legally place bets on election outcomes using a platform called Kalshi. But the Commodity Futures Trading Commission warns that these markets could warp the public’s understanding of our elections if they’re treated like polls. On this Election Day episode, Cantrell Dumas of Better Markets, a financial reform advocacy group, explains how Americans are dabbling in election betting, the legal questions surrounding these prediction markets, and why he believes manipulation of these markets has the potential to sway elections.
Then, we’ll dig into the history of the “I Voted” sticker and hear a perfect poem for Election Day. Plus, a listener shares what moving abroad taught them about the U.S. voting system.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Election betting is newly legal â and risks getting confused with polls” from NBC News“Exclusive: Election betting site Polymarket gives Trump a 67% chance of winning but is rife with fake âwashâ trading, researchers say” from Fortune Crypto“Cryptoverse: U.S. election speculators play the prediction markets” from Reuters“Wall Street regulator moves to ban election betting, escalating fight over new market” from Politico“The Case for Legalizing Political Betting” from the Cato Institute“How ‘I Voted’ Stickers Became an Election Day Staple” from Business InsiderWe want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at [email protected].
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Live near a yoga studio? What about a golf course? Americans may experience the economy differently based on the politics of the neighborhoods they live in. We’ll dig into new data on the relationship between political affiliation and the businesses around us. Then, we’ll talk about a new revelation in the lawsuit against Elon Musk over his controversial $1 million-a-day voter sweepstakes. Plus, on this Election Day eve, we’re smiling about early turnout.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Musk PAC tells Philadelphia judge the $1 million sweepstakes winners are not chosen by chance” from The Associated Press“How Red and Blue America Shop, Eat and Live” from The New York Times“4 charts show how early voting is going in the US” from CNNWe love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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Campaigns for both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are trying to get ahead of the curve on election legal battles. According to The Hill, there are already over 200 voting and election cases pending across the country. We’ll get into it. Then, we’ll explain how Trump’s recent battles with CBS and ABC could signal his intention to punish broadcasters if reelected. And, how do you feel about rolling back our clocks as daylight saving time ends? That and more in a round of Half Full/Half Empty.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“How Trump could weaponize the FCC against the media in a second term” from The Washington Post“Trump, Harris camps prepare to âgo to the mattressâ in election legal battles” from The Hill“You Call That An Ad Blackout? Consultants Shrug Off Alphabetâs Post-Election Restrictions” from Campaigns & ElectionsWe love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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This Halloween, we’re looking at some new inflation data thatâs got the Federal Reserve in good spirits. Its preferred inflation measure shows inflation fell to 2.1% last month, moving ever-so-closer to the Fedâs 2% target. We’ll get into why core inflation complicates the Fed’s good news. And, we’ll unpack why some Meta investors were spooked when CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company will amp up its artificial intelligence spending. Plus, Starbucks is getting a brand makeover, and the Los Angeles Dodgers pulled off a World Series win.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Meta posts Q3 earnings beat, but stock falls on heavy spending plans” from Yahoo Finance“What Today’s Inflation Data Will Mean for Next Week’s Fed Meeting” from CNBC“Inflation Cooled Further in September, PCE Index Shows” from The New York Times“7 ways Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol plans to change the coffee chain” from NBC Chicago“Los Angeles Dodgers defeat New York Yankees in five games to win World Series” from NBC NewsJoin us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.
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Tech companies like Google and Meta have been pouring billions into artificial intelligence. But investors have been waiting for those investments to pay off. We’ll get into what the latest earnings report from Google’s parent company signals about AI’s money-making potential. And, American companies are responding to former President Trump’s tariff promises by preparing to raise prices. Plus, guest host Matt Levin makes us smile about the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series run.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Companies ready price hikes to offset Trumpâs global tariff plans” from The New York Times“More than a quarter of new code at Google is generated by AI” from The Verge“Googleâs Cloud Business Powers Accelerating Revenue Growth” from The Wall Street Journal“World Series: Ice Cube performs ‘It Was a Good Day’ ahead of Yankees vs. Dodgers Game 2” from Fox SportsWe love to hear from you. Email your comments and questions to [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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Today weâre sharing an excerpt from our live show at WBUR CitySpace in Boston featuring our special guest, historian Heather Cox Richardson. (Check out the first part of our live show here.) Richardson, a professor at Boston College, talked with us about the high stakes of this year’s election, how the economy is woven into political narratives, and what we can do to protect the health of our democracy. Plus, she shares what she had wrong about hummingbirds.
Where should “Make Me Smart” go next? Let us know at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.
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