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The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments today on whether the National Labor Relations Board has to meet a higher burden of proof when intervening on behalf of workers trying to unionize. Starbucks is challenging some of the agency’s powers. We’ll hear more about the case in question. Plus, El Salvador’s unsafe reputation is transforming, but the country is heavily in debt. What are the economic realities. everyday Salvadorans?

From the BBC World Service: The British government’s policy of sending migrants to the African nation of Rwanda is set to become law, but the United Nations and Europe’s highest court have urged the U.K. to drop the proposals. Then, two years since a state of emergency was introduced in El Salvador to try to reduce crime, the Central American country is safer but its economy is still struggling.

A new wearable from tech startup Humane promises to bring an AI assistant to your lapel. It attaches to your jacket, sweater or shirt and operates with voice commands or a digital interface laser projected onto the palm of your hand. It sounds like the stuff of a sci-fi novel, but the reviews so far are not good. The panning of the Ai Pin comes after five years in development, $240 million in funding and partnerships struck with the likes of OpenAI, Microsoft and Salesforce. So, what went wrong? Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino asked Victoria Song, senior reviewer at The Verge, what this device is supposed to be for.

In this episode, Bridget and Ryan answer Aela’s question about college saving accounts and how they work with a special guest: an aspiring tooth fairy hoping to embark on her own college adventure! Together, they’ll learn all about the ways people save or pay for college: savings accounts, 529 plans, scholarships, and student loans during orientation day at Magic University. And they’ll meet some magical (and spooky) creatures along the way.

If your family is interested in learning more about ways to save for college, check out the page for this episode at our website. We’ve got discussion questions and tips for learning more!

This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Start saving for college with up to 5% on Savings. Get one month free and an extra $10 when you sign up for Greenlight Infinity at greenlight.com/million.

Today, the Biden administration announced plans to implement strict staffing requirements at nursing homes. Kimberly Adams unpacks what this rule may mean for care and the nursing home business model. Plus, guest host Nova Safo returns to discuss the United Auto Workers’ historic victory in the South and the latest troubles at Tesla. And, high-speed rail is finally coming to the U.S.

Here’s everything we talked about today:


“UAW wins big in historic union vote at Volkswagen Tennessee factory” from Reuters
“Tesla shares tumble on price cuts in run-up to earnings” from Reuters
“Biden administration finalizes controversial minimum staffing mandate at nursing homes” from CNN
“Nursing homes must hit minimum staffing levels under new federal rule” from The Hill
“Long Term Care Insurance Costs by State and Region” from New York Life
“How much does long-term care insurance cost?” from CBS News
“I’m 68 and My Long-Term Care Insurance Now Costs $600 Per Month. Is This Too Much?” from Yahoo Finance
“Nine practices from Native American culture that could help the environment” from The Washington Post
“From Sin City to the City of Angels, building starts on high-speed rail line” from The Associated Press


We love to hear from you. Send your questions and comments to makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Many states are making it easier for homeowners to subdivide their single-family lots. But those with space to spare may not know how to develop it. Now, new companies are offering cash for the land. Also: Profits are up, but probably not because of “greedflation,” and federal grants aim to get solar panels on low-income families’ roofs.