These are tumultuous times in the economy. Inflation is still happening, the job market is weakening, and there's uncertainty over tariffs and other federal policies. But the headlines don’t capture the real costs of everything happening right now. Today, Kai Ryssdal is popping into your feed with special coverage and reporting from “Marketplace" to explore the way we measure this economy and what’s at stake if those statistics become suspect.

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.

On the show today, Kimberly joins us from the anime convention AnimeNYC to share more about the economic impact of the anime industry and what cosplayers and business owners are saying about the economy right now. Spoiler alert: Tariffs are top of mind! And, we’ll weigh in on corporate apologies and the spicy food craze during a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Plus, a big thank you to Reema as she wraps up her time on the show.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

• "10 anime series that will teach you about economics" from Marketplace
• "Here's the corporate strategy behind switching from merit increases to flat raises" from Marketplace
• "The era of the public apology is ending" from Axios
• "Amazon now sells used Hertz rental cars" from The Verge
• "How spicy became the hottest flavor in town" from Marketplace

• "Money and Relationships" e-book from Marketplace

  
  

  “Make Me Smart” will be back Sept. 9. Until then, leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

COVID-19 cases are on the rise again, and the federal guidelines for who should get vaccinated are in flux. We’ll unpack how it could impact what insurers are willing to cover this fall. And, as President Trump’s federal takeover of Washington D.C. continues, why is the city so quiet? Kimberly shares her take as a local. Plus, The Onion is proving that print publications can still thrive in the digital age.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

• "Why Washington Residents Aren’t Flooding the Streets to Protest Trump" from Politico
• "Top White House officials turn to public appearances with troops as a tense Washington watches" from AP News
• "JD Vance booed during hamburger handout to national guard troops in DC" from The Guardian
• "Trump's police takeover of DC has a surprising casualty: restaurant reservations" from Fortune
• "Will I Be Able to Get the New 2025 COVID Vaccine This Fall?" from The Cut
• "For some, fall Covid shots may come with copays — or no coverage at all" from NBC News
• "The Onion Brought Back Its Print Edition. The Gamble Is Paying Off." from The Wall Street Journal

Don’t miss Kimberly’s anime recommendations in this week’s Marketplace newsletter. Sign up at marketplace.org/subscribe.