Author: Marketplace

Ever read past the top line of the consumer price index? That 2.7% inflation rate varies a lot by metro area. The same goes for goods categories. So why is inflation higher in San Diego than Dallas? And higher for baby clothes and than electronics? We explain. Also in this episode: Long-term unemployment rises as hiring slows, businesses grow weary of waiting for tariff clarity, and we talk to Cheryl McKissack Daniel, CEO of the country's largest Black-owned construction firm.

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Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

Today we’re diving into some ongoing battles over athlete pay, from college athletics to the WNBA. In the case of college sports, a recent lawsuit settlement involving the NCAA allows colleges and universities to pay their athletes directly. On the show today, sports journalist Kennington Lloyd Smith III explains how college athlete pay has evolved, how the recent House v. NCAA settlement could strain athletic departments, and what could come from the WNBA players’ current fight for more equitable pay. Plus, the sports private equity firms are eyeing.

Then, we’ll hear how one listener got involved in local government. Plus, Paralympic sled hockey gold medalist Declan Farmer answers the Make Me Smart question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

• "How college athletes will be paid after House v. NCAA settlement: NIL changes, enforcement, contracts and more" from CBS Sports
• "Trump signs executive order to 'protect' college sports" from Politico 
• "Down to Business: Valuations are wild, returns are rocky. But women’s sports teams are in demand" from The Athletic 
• "The WNBA Has a Good Problem on Its Hands" from The Atlantic 
• "Private equity tees up to invest in youth sports" from Marketplace  

• "Travelers aren't big fans of TSA's facial recognition program, report finds" from Marketplace  

  
  

  We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Philadelphia, Boston, and Seattle have all experienced strikes by trash collection workers this summer. At their peak, more than 2,000 workers coast to coast walked off the job after contract talks stalled. The Teamsters Union representing the workers says members deserve a pay rise and better health care benefits. We'll hear from the picket line and customers affected. But first, a Texas-based manufacturer reflects on what all this tariff back-and-forth means for business.

Each year, pediatricians order vaccines in anticipation of the winter respiratory virus season. But plummeting demand and confusion over vaccine recommendations have thrown the process into chaos, forcing some doctors to gamble and order vaccines they may not be able to use. We'll hear more. But first, the White House has again extended its trade truce with China, and the president's tariffs hit toy stores, which buy most of their products overseas.

From the BBC World Service: It came right down to the wire, but the U.S. and China have extended their trade truce until November. This means those massive American tariff hikes — some as high as 145% — have been put on hold, as Beijing was ready to hit back with 125% tariffs. But could another 90 days be enough time to strike a deal? Plus, this summer, several U.S. cities have been gripped by trash collection strikes. We'll hear more.

In recent years, the Transportation Security Administration has been piloting facial recognition at security checkpoints. But opting out of getting scanned can be complicated, according to a recent report from the non-profit Algorithmic Justice League. Joy Buolamwini is president of the organization and co-authored that report.

Hey, Million Bazillionaires! We just wrapped up the latest season of the show and are already working on the next one. In the meantime, we’re bringing you a special feature from our friends at Story Pirates. In this episode, you’ll hear two fun stories: “The Ghost That Launched a Business,” a terrifying tale about entrepreneurship, written by Jesse, a 9-year-old from the UK, and “Julius Caesar: The Guinea Pig, Not the Famous Ancient Roman Dude, But This Rodent Thinks Otherwise,” a story about how our names sometimes shape who we are inside, written by a 9-year-old from Illinois named Scottie. 

If President Donald Trump’s tariffs stymie the U.S. economy — which would, in turn, slow the global economy — oil demand will fall. And we're already operating at a surplus. In this episode, why the oil market tea leaves are difficult to read right now. Plus: Trump takes an “unprecedented” hands-on approach to Big Tech business dealings, and tariffs on semiconductors will make electronics more expensive. And, despite a six-year period of steep overall inflation, some prices have dropped. Can you guess which ones?

Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.

Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

President Trump today said he’s temporarily taking over Washington’s police department and sending in National Guard troops to crack down on crime. We’ll get into the legal questions surrounding the move, and Kimberly shares her thoughts as a local. Plus, key inflation data set to come out this week could bring the impact of tariffs into clearer view. Then, we’ll smile about meteor showers and beach glass.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

• "Trump says he's placing Washington police under federal control and deploying the National Guard" from AP News
• "Trump says crime in D.C. is out of control. Here’s what the data shows." from The Washington Post 
• "What Trump can — and can’t — do in his bid to take over law enforcement in DC" from Politico  
• "Small Businesses Brace for the Punishing Side Effects of Trump’s Tariffs" from The New York Times
• "July Inflation Data: What to Watch in Tuesday’s CPI Report" from The Wall Street Journal 

• "How to Watch the Perseids, the Strongest Meteor Shower of the Summer" from The New York Times

  
  

  We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

The U.S. and India, until about a week ago when steep tariffs went into effect, had been on track to forge strong ties in trade, defense, and other areas. One thing that seems to have been lost in the tariff drama was the budding “bromance” between President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Also: a look at how the so-called “meme stock” effect has affected companies that have been boosted, and we talk with economist Julia Coronado about the possibility of a Fed rate cut in upcoming cycles.