For decades, going to college has been seen as a reliable path to good jobs and economic success in the United States. But a recent Indeed survey reported that over half of Gen Z respondents beg to differ. As tuition prices continue to rise and the Trump administration takes aim at higher education institutions, is the way we view college changing? On the show today, Bryan Alexander, a higher education writer and senior scholar at Georgetown University, explains why college is still a worthy investment for most students, why more people are considering certificate programs and technical schools, and how President Trump’s attacks on elite universities are a risk to higher education as a whole.

Then, Kimberly breaks down the difference between the reconciliation bill and government spending bills in Congress. And, Casey Johnston, author of “A Physical Education,” answers the Make Me Smart question.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

• "Report: 51% of Gen Z Views Their College Degree as a Waste of Money" from Indeed
• "Against college for all: the AFT president" from Bryan Alexander
• "Americans Are Losing Faith in the Value of College. Whose Fault Is That?" from The New York Times
• "Good Jobs Project" from Georgetown University
• "House considers Trump cuts as Senate Republicans work on reconciliation bill" from Roll Call
• "Deal or no deal? Inside reconciliation and gov’t funding" from Punchbowl News
• "A muted backlash to Trump’s new travel ban" from Politico
• "Have Americans grown numb? Trump’s new travel ban met with muted reaction" from MSNBC

• "Finding Strength in a Bigger Body" from The Cut

  
  

  
  Got a question about the GOP’s reconciliation bill? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

President Donald Trump deployed California National Guard troops to Los Angeles on Sunday, following demonstrations over the weekend protesting the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. The decision was made without California Governor Gavin Newsom’s approval, and the state is now suing the “illegal and immoral” move. We get into all the potential ramifications of the uptick in immigration raids. Then, we discuss how people in other countries have coped with anti-democratic forces in their own communities. Finally, we smile at the original cast of “Hamilton” reuniting for the musical’s 10-year anniversary.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

• “The Beautiful Danger of Normal Life During an Autocratic Rise” from The New York Times
• “The 78th Annual Tony Awards® | Hamilton 10 Year Anniversary Performance” from CBS
• “The original cast of ‘Hamilton’ reunites on the Tonys stage with rousing performance” from CNN
• “When to see June’s full strawberry moon on Tuesday night” from The Washington Post

Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

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