It’s college football season, and if you’re having a hard time keeping up with all the changes, you’re not alone. This week, the Atlantic Coast Conference decided to go bicoastal by adding schools really far from, well, the Atlantic Coast. We’ll explain what this is all about (spoiler: money). Plus, why a new Biden administration proposal to increase staffing at nursing homes could make a big difference. Then we’ll play a game of Half Full/Half Empty and discuss why finding love might be coming with a bigger price tag.

Here’s everything we talked about:














“Nursing Homes Must Boost Staffing Under First-Ever National Standards” from The Wall Street Journal

“ACC adds Stanford, Cal, SMU as new members beginning 2024-25” from ESPN

“Return to office means the return of the business meal” from Marketplace

“Beyoncé and Taylor Swift fans turn to fast fashion for concert attire” from Marketplace

“Dating apps flirt with premium subscriptions” from Marketplace

“The U.S. is no longer world’s leading exporter of corn” from Marketplace

“Here’s when Labor Day weekend travel is expected to hit its peak” from AP News






Next Friday is our 1,000th episode! We want to hear about your favorite moments, episodes or guests in Make Me Smart history. Call us at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.