Make Me Smart

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Make Me Smart episodes

May 29, 2021Microsoft says Russian group is responsible for latest cyberattack
Always double-check before you click. Over 150 organizations worldwide were targeted in the attack, according to a blog post from Microsoft this week. The company believes the Russian group behind the attack, Nobelium, was also responsible for last year’s massive SolarWinds hack. Microsoft said that at least a quarter of the organizations targeted are involved in international humanitarian and human rights work. This comes three weeks before a scheduled meeting between President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin. We talked about how that conversation might go. Plus, the rest of the day’s news and a round of everyone’s favorite Friday fixture, Half Full/Half Empty!
Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:
“Russia Appears to Carry Out Hack Through System Used by U.S. Aid Agency” from The New York Times
Opinion | “Covid’s Deadliest Phase May Be Here Soon” from The New York Times
“We Need to Get Real About How the Pandemic Will End” from Insight
Iran blocking Bitcoin mining after blackouts and power surges from CNBC
And our Half Full/Half Empty topics: ghost kitchens, climate change pressure on Big Oil, Amazon purchases MGM, Guy Fieri’s big payday, and Big Cat crypto
27 min
May 28, 2021States offer the unvaccinated a shot at glory
Earlier today, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced California would be joining the slew of states that are offering incentives to encourage vaccinations, which have been steadily declining. Folks who have already gotten their shots are also eligible for the prizes, which range from a $50 grocery card to a grand prize of $1.5 million. Plus, a big boost in crypto, big moves in the Indy 500, and AMC to the mooooon!
Here’s everything we talked about on today’s show:
California launches incentive program for COVID vaccinations from the Los Angeles Times
a16z Crypto Fund Balloons to $2 Billion from Newcomer
AMC Stock Is Soaring, Leaving GameStop in the Dust from Barron’s
On This Indianapolis 500 Team, the Boss Is a Woman. So Is the Driver. And the Mechanic. And the Engineer. from The Wall Street Journal
Industry groups sue to stop Florida’s new social media law from The Verge
“Make Me Smart” is powered by listeners like you. Become a Marketplace Investor today to help us reach our fundraising goal: marketplace.com/givesmart
18 min
May 27, 2021All we want for Christmas is supply chain relief
Winter is coming — eventually. Hopefully there’ll be plenty of cheer, but what about discount electronics? We answer one listener’s question about how the chip shortage will affect the holiday shopping season. Plus, Florida takes on tech, and the return of the dual voice memo!
Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:
“Chip shortage hitting just about anything with a plug or battery” from “Marketplace”
How the global chip shortage could ruin Black Friday from Protocol
Florida Fines Social Media Companies for Banning Candidates from The New York Times
Florida’s New Social Media Bill May Be Laughed Out of Court from Wired
“The Coming Currency War” from The Wall Street Journal
“Still Getting Your Head Around Digital Currency? So Are Central Bankers” from The New York Times
“China leads the digital currency pack. Do we need to keep up?” from “Marketplace Tech”
Make Me Smart is powered by listeners like you. Become a Marketplace Investor before Thursday to help us reach our fundraising goal: marketplace.com/givesmart
19 min
May 25, 2021A look at the history — and future — of police funding
How do we reduce crime, especially amid calls to defund the police?
While many point to rising crime rates as an indicator that more funding is needed, studies show almost no link between crime and money spent. So what’s the answer?
“We know what’s required,” said Elizabeth Hinton, a professor of history and African American studies at Yale University and author of the new book “America on Fire: The Untold History of Police Violence and Black Rebellion Since the 1960s.”
On today’s show, Hinton walks us through some of the decisions that have led to the current moment, past attempts to find a solution and things to consider in conversations around police funding as we move forward.
“When people are talking about defund the police or calling for defund the police, they’re saying we want a different set of investments of our taxpayer dollars into communities.”
Later on, we’ll hear from a listener who gives us insight into one of Molly’s favorite songs. Plus, an answer to the Make Me Smart Question.
Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:
Read Hinton’s essay on police violence in The New York Times
“Cities Say They Want to Defund the Police. Their Budgets Say Otherwise.” from Bloomberg
“A Year After George Floyd: Pressure to Add Police Amid Rising Crime” from The New York Times
“More cops. Is it the answer to fighting crime?” from USA Today
Plus, more music breakdowns!
Cheers to making it through this year! Donate today to get our new Mason jar mug and “Stonktails” recipe book: marketplace.org/givesmart
27 min
May 25, 2021The streaming battle may be getting shaken, not stirred
In a world where content is king, Amazon may be looking to capture the crown. There are reports the tech titan is acquiring MGM Studios. If a deal does happen, it would be Amazon’s second-largest acquisition since its purchase of Whole Foods in 2017. We take a look at what that would mean for the media landscape in the wake of the recent AT&T-Discovery deal. Plus, New York City moves away from remote learning; vaccination sweepstakes; and pandemic pups.
Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:
Amazon to buy MGM? from The Wall Street Journal
N.Y.C. Will Eliminate Remote Learning for Next School Year from The New York Times
United Airlines giving away a chance to win free flights for a year…if you’re vaccinated from USA Today
No, People Are Not Returning Pandemic Dogs in Droves from The New York Times
Cheers to making it through this year! Donate today to get our new Mason jar mug and “Stonktails” recipe book: marketplace.org/givesmart
18 min
May 22, 2021Tim Cook’s (not so) Epic testimony
The antitrust trial involving Apple and Epic Games has provided a rare look into some of the tech giant’s business practices. The case wraps up soon, and it’s going out with a … slightly boring whimper. Apple CEO Tim Cook took the witness stand today. We talk about the importance of what he said, and didn’t say. Plus, how vaccines are making singles more attractive and a round of our favorite game, Half Full/Half Empty.
Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:
“Apple’s Tim Cook Faces Pointed Questions From Judge on App Store Competition” from The Wall Street Journal
“Leaked Emails Show Crime App Citizen Is Testing On-Demand Security Force” from Vice
WeWork reports over $2 billion quarterly loss
And our Half Full/Half Empty topics: The new child tax credit, the Olympics, Internet Explorer, marathon season and oat milk.
Cheers to making it through this year! Donate today to get our new Mason jar mug and “Stonktails” recipe book: marketplace.org/givesmart
27 min
May 21, 2021Let’s get digital (currency?)
Cryptocurrency is a hot market, and some nations’ governments are wondering if it’s time to make their move. China already has a digital yuan, and the U.S. Federal Reserve announced today that it would explore a digital currency this summer. There are important differences between a minted digital currency and cryptocurrency, and we’ll help you figure out what those are. Plus, Chris Bosh, a royal gun show and a little CEO diversity.
Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:
“Fed, citing crypto risk, to open digital currency debate this summer” from Reuters
“Morgan Stanley Reorders Executive Ranks, Setting Up CEO Race” from The Wall Street Journal
“Senators reach bipartisan deal to overhaul USPS finances, tighten accountability requirements” from The Washington Post
“Chris Bosh on the Sudden, ‘Surreal’ End of His NBA Career” from The Wall Street Journal
“Twitter Users Are Obsessed With Prince William’s Vaccination Gun Show” from The Huffington Post
Cheers to making it through this year! Donate today to get our new Mason jar mug and “Stonktails” recipe book: marketplace.org/givesmart
18 min
May 20, 2021This is why the internet is so annoying right now
You know how it goes. You click on an article, but you can’t read it without tussling with a series of pop-ups, banners and prompts. “Yes, I accept cookies.” “No, I don’t want your newsletter.” “Sure, I’ll turn off my ad blocker.” “Whoops, I hit the paywall.” It’s not ideal. One of our listeners wants to know what happens if we don’t click “OK,” and the answer leads us to revisit our old friend, the General Data Protection Regulation. Plus, we answer more of your questions about cryptocurrency and coffee beer.

Here’s everything we talked about on the show today:
“Colonial Pipeline CEO Tells Why He Paid Hackers a $4.4 Million Ransom” from The Wall Street Journal
This episode of Chris Hayes’ MSNBC podcast “Why Is This Happening?” which was all about cryptocurrency
“Where can I spend Bitcoin?” from Coinbase
“Elon Musk tweets ‘diamond hands’ emoji amid bitcoin drop, implying Tesla won’t sell” from CNBC
Our episode about Bitcoin from last month
“The EU doesn’t trust its citizens’ data in the hands of the U.S.” from “Marketplace Tech”
“The 27 Essential Coffee Beers, Ranked” from Thrillist
“Why the intersection of coffee and beer has become a dominant force in craft brewing” from The Chicago Tribune

Cheers to making it through this year! Donate today to get our new Mason jar mug and “Stonktails” recipe book: marketplace.org/givesmart
17 min
May 19, 2021 Who’s scared of a little inflation?
We’ve put it off for a long time, but it’s time to talk about the I-word. Nine letters, three syllables: inflation. The Federal Reserve likes it around 2%, but it’s been a long time since we’ve gotten there. As this economy inches back on track, consumer prices are going up and the investor class is getting spooked. Meanwhile, Fed Chair Jay Powell is keeping interest rates low. So what’s going on? Here to make us smart (and calmer) about it all is Brown University political economist Mark Blyth.
Cheers to making it through this year! Donate today to get our new mason jar mug and “Stonktails” recipe book: marketplace.org/givesmart
34 min
May 18, 2021Air travel is back — but is that good?
Well, it’s definitely Monday. Companies are panic-buying over inflation fears, Elon Musk is still talking about crypto, AT&T is suddenly pivoting out of content and, oh yeah, bald eagles want to eat your pets. We’ll talk about all of it. Plus: Molly reflects on a recent air travel experience that has her craving a “John Madden summer.” Your mileage may vary.

Here’s everything we talked about today:
“Elon Musk Is Now Blowing Up the Wall Street Case for Bitcoin” from Bloomberg
“Inflation Rate 2021 and Shortages: Companies Panic Buying as Supplies Run Short” also from Bloomberg
“Air Travel Is Back, Including All the Things You Hated” from The Wall Street Journal
“AT&T-Discovery Deal Is More Evidence Media, Telecom Don’t Mix” from, get this, Bloomberg
“Traveling with John Madden” from the Chicago Tribune
“Kenny Mayne explains why he’s leaving ESPN” from the Los Angeles Times
“Bald Eagles Are Back. And They Want to Eat Your Pets.” from The Wall Street Journal

“Make Me Smart” is a part of your daily habit. We run on listener support, so make donating part of that habit, too! Give what you can today: marketplace.org/givesmart
18 min

About Make Me Smart

From the publisher's feed

Each weekday, Marketplace’s Kimberly Adams makes today make sense along with her Marketplace colleagues, breaking down happenings in tech, the economy, and culture. Because none of us is as smart as…