APM: Marketplace All-In-One

Federal officials are warning consumers against a type of cyberattack that’s been on the rise. It’s called Medusa, a ransomware program that uses tactics like phishing to infect a target’s system and encrypt their data, which hackers then threaten to publicly release unless a ransom is paid. Medusa is just one example of how hackers are evolving their strategies at a time when federal cybersecurity resources are being cut by the Donald Trump administration. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino spoke with Lesley Carhart, director of incident response for North America at cybersecurity firm Dragos, to learn more about the use of embarrassment as a weapon and the impact of funding cuts on digital safety.  

“Recession” recently peaked on Google Trends — a sure sign Americans are sweating the possibility of an economic downturn. But what do the numbers say? Well, the hard data so far reflects a pretty strong economy. But the soft, economic-vibes data, is … less optimistic. Plus: Government credits help Tesla and other EV-makers stay afloat, liquefied natural gas exports are slated to double in five years and advocates help young people who’ve aged out of foster care find resources.

Hey Smarties! Today we’re revisiting an episode from earlier this year that might help you make sense of all the tit for tat tariff fight from the past few weeks. It unpacks some tariff history and the potential economic consequences of President Trump’s ongoing trade war. 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 debacle can shed light on the current moment, why the president has the power to wield tariffs in the first place, and how punishing trading partners could leave the U.S. economy at a disadvantage. Plus, what this fight has to do with the 1980s film “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and Roomba vacuum cleaners! Later, one listener’s call to visit your local butcher. And, dating coach Damona Hoffman, host of the “Dates and Mates” podcast, answers the “Make Me Smart” question just in time for Valentine’s Day. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Tariffs on Trading Partners: Can the President Actually Do That?” from Council on Foreign Relations “One Response to Trump’s Tariffs: Trade That Excludes the U.S.” from The New York Times “The United States has been disengaging from the global economy” from the Peterson Institute for International Economics “Protectionism 100 years ago helped ignite a world war. Could it happen again?” from The Washington Post “The US is one of the least trade-oriented countries in the world – despite laying the groundwork for today’s globalized system” from The Conversation Double your impact when you donate to Marketplace today, thanks to a $30,000 match from the Investors Challenge Fund: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

It’s time to write the obituary for a star of the fast fashion world: Retailer Forever 21 declared bankruptcy this week, blaming competition from online, foreign fast fashion companies like Temu and Shein. We’ll hear more. Also on the program: Chinese EV maker claims to have developed a superfast charging system from BYD and sales at restaurants and bars dipped last month as consumers pull back on discretionary spending.

You could say once your company becomes a verb, you’ve arrived. And “Venmo me” is a pretty common phrase these days. Mobile payment apps like Venmo, along with Zelle and Cash App, are becoming pretty widespread, especially among young people. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, consumers under the age of 25 were twice as likely to have used some kind of mobile payment app compared to older Americans. But as with any form of money, there is etiquette about how to use them. Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes spoke with Yanely Espinal, host of Marketplace’s “Financially Inclined,” a video podcast that provides money lessons for teens, about the do’s and don’ts of these payment apps.

From the BBC World Service: Shares of Ola Electric hit a record low following allegations that the company has defaulted on payments. Meanwhile, China’s BYD says it’s unveiling ultra-fast EV chargers, and Audi is cutting 8% of its global workforce. Plus, Germany’s parliament is voting on whether to rewrite its debt rules. And later, a Peruvian farmer is taking a German energy giant to court.

Today, as part of our ongoing “Tricks of the Trades” series, Marketplace’s David Brancaccio heads to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. With a mic in hand and a Stetson on head, Brancaccio gleans lessons on labor, trade policy and bang for your buck from the businesspeople who dish up Texas-sized portions of food to nearly 2.5 million rodeo attendees. Also, the Federal Reserve is poised to have a new chief bank regulator.

About 8.9 million. That’s how many U.S. workers worked more than one job in February — an all-time high, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. We spoke with some workers holding multiple job about why this economy necessitates a second (or third) gig. Plus, economist Mohamed El-Erian on DOGE and recession odds, and we break down why the U.S. energy mix probably won’t change much under President Donald Trump.

On today’s episode, Kai Ryssdal and Kimberly Adams discuss the Donald Trump administration’s disregard for the courts. The White House has ignored a judge’s order to turn around a pair of deportation flights and failed to rehire federal workers. A constitutional crisis has arrived. Plus, get ready for a three-bleep Kai rant. And how anime helps explain the GOP’s attempt to get around the real cost of its $4 trillion tax cut. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Black War Hero’s Medal of Honor Page Deleted by Pentagon” from Newsweek “Donald Trump Is Itching for a Legal Showdown Over Deportations” by Vanity Fair “What court orders? Trump’s moving full steam ahead to slash more federal workers” from Politico “Exclusive: How the White House ignored a judge’s order to turn back deportation flights” from Axios “Trump admin live updates: Border czar says ‘I don’t care what the judges think’” by ABC News “Crematory horrors spur Maryland lawmakers to push for reform” by The Washington Post “A Congresswoman with Dementia Stopped Coming to Work. The DC Press Corps Never Noticed.” by Politico “The Budget Trick the G.O.P. Might Use to Make a $4 Trillion Tax Cut Look Free” by The New York Times @bbkogan.bsky.social on Bluesky “Republicans press for change in how CBO tallies cost of legislation” from Marketplace Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

The S&P 500 index briefly went into correction territory last week. Investors are concerned about the Trump administration’s economic policies, but Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent argues that corrections are “healthy.” But is this a healthy correction-to-be? We’ll hear more from Julia Coronado, president and founder of MacroPolicy Perspectives. Also on the program: why investors are turning to gold and how Nissan’s self-driving technology is navigating Britain’s twisty, medieval roads.

For decades, importers and exporters have leaned into what’s called “just-in-time” logistics — only order what you need only when you need it. But the ongoing trade war has upended that model, forcing businesses to stock up in case tariffs make the global supply chain increasingly unpredictable. Plus, companies offering child care may have a leg up over the competition. What are some of the benefits and drawbacks?

Back when the pandemic first hit, many students received tablets or laptops from their schools. Schools also wanted to know what students were doing on those devices, so demand for AI-powered software to monitor students’ digital activities also grew. That surveillance software is the subject of a new investigation from the Associated Press andTthe Seattle Times, whic Claire Bryan coauthored. Marketplace’s Stephanie Hughes asked her what sort of things this surveillance software might flag.

From the BBC World Service: China’s leaders have announced a “special action plan” to try and offset the impact of U.S. trade tariffs and boost domestic spending. And a city in northern China is offering families with two children massive financial incentives to have a third over concerns about the country’s rapidly aging population. Also, carmaker Nissan has finished the latest stage of an eight-year project to develop technology for self-driving cars.

Mortgage rates have fallen recently to 6.6% for a 30-year fixed. But will it be enough to bring prospective homebuyers off the sidelines? Not according to one survey, which found some buyers are holding out for rates below 5%. Also in this episode: The Trump administration cut USDA programs that allowed schools and food banks to buy fresh, local food. And the U.S. wants Chinese consumers to spend more, but that won’t be easy.

A Republican-written spending bill is being backed by some Senate Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, to avoid a government shutdown. Other Democrats — and much of the voter base — aren’t happy. We’ll get into it. Then, we’ll close out the week with a round of Half Full/Half Empty, weighing in on Southwest Airlines’ new checked bag policy and $19 strawberries. Plus, in the wake of a certain duchess’ foray into television, what are your thoughts on celeb cooking shows? Here’s everything we talked about today: “The Siberian Bone Hunters Diving for Ice Age Mammoth Fossils” from The New York Times “Dr. Oz, with a TV host’s flair, promises simple solutions for America’s health care ills” by Politico “Schumer Under Fire as Pelosi and Other Democrats Criticize Shutdown Retreat” from The New York Times “Half-Past Four is the New Five O’Clock in More Efficient Workday” from Bloomberg “5 Takeaways From Meghan Markle’s Netflix Show ‘With Love, Meghan’” from The New York Times “Why does the viral Erewhon strawberry cost $19?” from Marketplace “Southwest Airlines is charging for checked bags. Will loyal flyers stick around?” from USA Today Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Two federal judges have ordered the Trump administration to rehire fired federal workers who were on probation. The judges say the White House didn’t have the authority to execute mass layoffs and didn’t follow the law. And later: from our special series “Unlocking The Gates,” Marketplace special correspondent Lee Hawkins explores the lasting impact of housing discrimination in Minnesota, where racial covenants were first devised.

Host Lee Hawkins investigates how a secret nighttime business deal unlocked the gates of a Minnesota suburb for dozens of Black families seeking better housing, schools, and safer neighborhoods. His own family included. This special episode comes from “Unlocking the Gates,” a new collaboration from Marketplace and APM Studios. 

Racial covenants along with violence, hostility and coercion played an outsized role in keeping non-white families out of sought-after suburbs. Lee learns how these practices became national policy after endorsement by the state’s wealthy business owners and powerful politicians. This special episode comes from “Unlocking the Gates,” a new collaboration from Marketplace and APM Studios. 

Real estate accounts for 18% GDP and each home sale generates two jobs. It’s a top priority for state officials and business leaders across the country to build stable communities. In Minnesota, efforts to address inequity that keeps people locked out of the property market are well-advanced. Lee sits down to interview those directly involved. This special episode comes from “Unlocking the Gates,” a new collaboration from Marketplace and APM Studios. 

If you want to know how investors feel, check out the stock market. If you want to know how the rest of America feels — particularly low-income Americans — look to Dollar General. Its CEO said this week that its “core customers,” people who earn under $40,000 per year, are struggling. Also: “I’ve met fighter pilots, and I think you have a cooler job.” A vintage race car mechanic reflects on his work.