
Make Me Smart with Kai and Molly
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Hosted by Kai Ryssdal and Molly Wood, Make Me Smart With Kai & Molly is now a daily news podcast that breaks down the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and the most complex topics of the week. Together, we make sense of today.
Make Me Smart with Kai and Molly
4d ago
Associated Press journalists have been blocked from accessing spaces like the Oval Office after the organization opted not to use the term “Gulf of America.” We’ll unpack the conundrum this creates for other news outlets covering the White House. And, while the GOP eyes spending cuts to key social safety net programs, some Republican representatives are feeling pressure from their constituents. We’ll get into it. Plus, a penny for your thoughts on getting rid of the penny. We’ll weigh in during a round of Half Full/Half Empty!
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Hagan Scotten, Adams’s L ..read more
Make Me Smart with Kai and Molly
4d ago
Elon Musk and his DOGE team have been inside the pipes of the federal government on a mission to cut government spending and root out waste. We know government waste exists. But today, we’ll explain the problem with the way DOGE is going about it. Plus, blue state Republicans and their newfound power! And, stick around for your daily dose of positive news: We’ll hear about some of the good things that have been happening to “Make Me Smart” listeners. (Keep ‘em coming!)
Here’s everything we talked about:
Watch: Watch live: House DOGE subcommittee holds first hearing on federal spending on ..read more
Make Me Smart with Kai and Molly
6d ago
Throughout the 2024 election campaign, voters kept saying the economy felt bad, even though it looked good on paper. A new report blames that disconnect on the way the government measures the economy — sending economic circles abuzz! We’ll explain what the tizzy is all about. Plus, is the Senate confirmation process for federal officials still useful? And, we’ll smile about the adorableness that is the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Voters Were Right About the Economy. The Data Was Wrong.” from Politico
Article 2 Section 2 Clause 2 | Constitu ..read more
Make Me Smart with Kai and Molly
1w ago
If President Donald Trump goes through with his plan to levy sweeping tariffs on foreign imports, it wouldn’t be the first time the U.S. has done such a thing. Ever heard of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930? Anyone? Those tariffs are widely credited with sinking the United States deeper into the Great Depression. And although global trade looks different nowadays, they can teach us a lot about how Trump’s protectionist approach to global trade could play out. On the show today, Inu Manak, a fellow for trade policy at the Council on Foreign Relations, explains how the Smoot-Hawley tariff deb ..read more
Make Me Smart with Kai and Molly
1w ago
President Donald Trump’s recent steps to remove federal employees is drawing comparisons to government purges during the Red Scare of the 1950s. What’s at stake when government workers are pushed out? We’ll break it down. Plus, we’ll explain why a ruling in one of the lawsuits over Trump’s funding freeze is a biggie. Finally, tell us something good that happened to you lately!
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Judge Rules That Trump Administration Defied Order to Unfreeze Billions in Federal Grants” from The New York Times
“Trump Eases Enforcement of Law Banning Overseas Bribes” by ..read more
Make Me Smart with Kai and Molly
1w ago
President Donald Trump has fired dozens of government officials since he took office. The latest is the chair of the Federal Election Commission. But is any of this legal? We’ll get into it. Plus: A “Make Me Smart” alum shares the trauma of losing his home in the Los Angeles fires. Finally, we’ll wrap with a dose of uplifting news (thanks to you!) and a round of our favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty!
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Democratic FEC Chair Ellen Weintraub says Trump fired her. She says it’s not legal.” from CBS News
“Trump Illegally Attempts to Fire Federal El ..read more
Make Me Smart with Kai and Molly
1w ago
Elon Musk and the rest of the DOGE gang have been inside the guts of the federal government attempting to shut down agencies and gain access to the Treasury Department’s main payment system. We’ll discuss the constitutionality of it all and why some members of Congress may be reluctant to say it like it is. Plus, the toy business is paying attention to prices as Trump threatens trade war. And, AI is making a splash at the 2025 Super Bowl.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
Watch: “Rep. Khanna: If Elon Musk finds fraud or wasteful spending, come to Congress and force a vote on it” by CNB ..read more
Make Me Smart with Kai and Molly
1w ago
Is Elon Musk’s control of government offices as an unelected official a coup? Lots of people seem to think so. We’ll explain why. Plus, another potential government shutdown is looming and it may work in Democrats’ favor. And, one surprisingly effective (and protein-rich) way food insecurity in Pennsylvania is being addressed.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“What the Black Hawk Pilots Could See, Just Before the Crash” by The New York Times
“Shutdown fears grow as Trump battles multiply” by The Hill
“‘We would call it a coup’: Watchdogs and Dems attack Elon Musk Treasury Departme ..read more
Make Me Smart with Kai and Molly
2w ago
It’s hard to overstate the role immigrant workers play in the U.S. economy. Key industries rely on them — nearly half of meat-processing jobs, for instance, are held by immigrants. And many work in low-wage jobs that are vulnerable to exploitation.
Ted Genoways, a reporter with the Food and Environment Reporting Network, said Trump’s promises of mass deportations is creating fear and uncertainty for immigrant workers, both authorized and unauthorized, as well as for the massive food companies that employ them.
“If history is any guide, this will probably mean increased food prices, if only for ..read more
Make Me Smart with Kai and Molly
2w ago
Kimberly’s back from Cuba just in time to discuss the onslaught of President Donald Trump’s executive actions, from tariffs to his federal funding freeze. Lawsuits are being filed left and right against the administration’s moves, but will the Supreme Court still serve as a check on the executive branch? Plus, Kimberly unpacks lasting reflections on Cuba’s contradictions as a country with strong social services like universal education yet acute wage disparities.
Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Trump’s Driving Legal Principle This Time: ‘What Are You Gonna Do About It?’” by Rolling ..read more