What A Day

Jury selection begins next week for the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who knelt on George Floyd’s neck and killed him last summer. We spoke to Jamiles Lartey, staff writer at The Marshall Project, about Chauvin’s history of using excessive force and how that could play into the trial. And in headlines: the House passes a bill to fight voter suppression and protect democracy, President Biden agrees to narrow the income limits of people eligible to get a COVID relief check, and Amazon changes its new logo to make it look less like Hitler. Show Links: “That Could Have Been Me”: The People Derek Chauvin Choked Before George Floyd https://www.themarshallproject.org/2021/02/02/that-could-have-been-me-the-people-derek-chauvin-choked-before-george-floyd Follow Jamiles Lartey on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamiles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Biden is now saying that we'll have enough vaccine doses for every American by the end of May, instead of July. Meanwhile, states like Texas and Mississippi lifting their mask requirements and relaxing restrictions -- something that public health officials have warned against. FBI Director Christopher Wray testified to congress yesterday, defending his agency’s handling of intelligence in advance of the January 6th attack on the Capitol. There’s another big hearing today, with a witness list that includes officials from the FBI, the National Guard, DHS, and more. And in headlines: 300 girls who were abducted in Nigeria were released, Jackson Mississippi still doesn’t have water, and six Dr. Seuss books will no longer be published. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The coronavirus relief bill moves to the Senate this week. A group of progressive House Democrats are continuing to push for a minimum wage increase in the bill. Meanwhile, Senator Warren and other Democrats introduced a wealth tax proposal aimed at addressing economic inequality. We talk to Representative Pramila Jayapal about why she's pushing for it now. Protests in Myanmar are ongoing following the coup last month and the response from the police and military has grown increasingly violent. We review the recent history of the country, and recommend some good resources for digging in deeper.  And in headlines: President Biden meets virtually with Mexican President Lopez-Obrador, why pharma companies won’t share vaccine blueprints, and former French leader Nicolas Sarkozy is convicted of corruption. Show Links: "Is Democracy in Myanmar Dead?" https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/15/opinion/myanmar-protests.html Follow journalist Aye Min Thant's on the ground reporting https://twitter.com/the_ayeminthant "How a Deadly Power Game Undid Myanmar’s Democratic Hopes" https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/02/world/asia/myanmar-coup-aung-san-suu-kyi.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The US vaccination campaign is accelerating, with the country hitting over 2 million doses a day last Friday and Saturday. Following a plunge in new cases over the last few weeks, health experts are expressing some concern that progress may be plateauing. This week the Supreme Court is hearing a case that could determine the future of the Voting Rights Act. It comes as Republicans around the country introducing a flurry of bills to make voting harder. Democrats are pushing back, and on a federal level, they’re set to pass the For The People Act or HR1, which would end partisan gerrymandering, allow for automatic voter registration, and more.  And in headlines: Biden faces bipartisan backlash following airstrikes in Syria, Cuomo responds to a new allegation of sexual harassment, and Bella and Gigi Hadid’s dad does real estate hijinks in LA. Show Links: "The For the People Act Is Popular, Pass It Right Away" https://crooked.com/articles/for-the-people-act/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The House is expected to pass its COVID relief bill as soon as today, but there's still a question of what happens when the bill gets to the Senate. Yesterday the Senate parliamentarian said the minimum wage increase couldn’t pass via the budget process. We explain the ruling, the reaction and where things could go from here.  With Black History Month almost over, we spoke to Black history educators from across the country about what it means to them in 2021 and who they are celebrating this year.  And in headlines, we're joined by special guest Nicole Byer: Lady Gaga's friend shot and dogs stolen, a man implicates himself at the Capitol riots by texting his ex, and Trump's tax records are in the hands of Manhattan prosecutors. Show Links: "2020 and the Recognition of HBCU Power" https://crooked.com/articles/2020-hbcu/ "The Overlooked Role of Black Greek Organizations" https://crooked.com/articles/black-greek-organizations-harris/ Journalist Farai Chideya on building a media that’s more representative and better connected to all communities (Pod Save America) https://crooked.com/podcast/party-of-q/ Activist Alicia Garza on organizing for change under Biden (Lovett Or Leave It) https://crooked.com/podcast/teds-excellent-adventure/ Journalist and host of the Black Diplomats podcast Terrell Jermaine Starr on how domestic activism fits into American foreign policy (Pod Save The World) https://crooked.com/podcast/the-coup-in-myanmar-explained/ Comedian and commentator Baratunde Thurston on how Black and White America moves forward post Trump (Keep It) https://crooked.com/podcast/free-against-the-music-with-baratunde-thurston/ OB/GYN and women’s health advocate Dr. Heather Irobunda on racism in medicine and how she’s using Tik Tok to “empower vagina owners" https://crooked.com/podcast/whats-up-doc-with-dr-heather-irobunda/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The FDA put out analyses yesterday showing that Johnson & Johnson's single-dose vaccine is highly effective, setting the stage for its approval as early as this weekend. The CDC put out new guidelines for safely reopening schools earlier this month, and it comes as the Biden administration has said they are working to get a majority of K-8 schools open in their first 100 days. We spoke to Washington Post education reporter Moriah Ballingit about the new guidelines, the COVID risk in schools, and what it all means for teachers and parents. And in headlines: Ghana became the first country to get free COVID-19 vaccines through COVAX, an update on Tiger Woods condition following his car crash, and California beats a legal challenge to its net neutrality law. Show Links: Read more from Moriah Balingit in the Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/moriah-balingit/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Capitol security officials appeared before the Senate yesterday, citing communications failures for their inadequate response to the January 6th attack on the Capitol. The Senate also confirmed two more members of Biden’s cabinet: Linda Thomas-Greenfield as UN ambassador and Tom Vilsack as agriculture secretary.  Facebook has now un-banned news on its platform in Australia, after blocking it there in protest of a proposed law that would have required Facebook to pay the outlets that give the platform its content. Now, Australia has backed off, and will only require Facebook to negotiate with media partners.  And in headlines: the police officers who killed Daniel Prude will not face criminal charges, the Biden administration opened its first facility to house migrant children in Texas, and McDonald’s releases its new crispy chicken sandwich. Subscribe to What A Day on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whataday/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Supreme Court threw out the final Trump lawsuit challenging the results of the 2020 election, and also paved the way for Trump’s taxes to be disclosed to a New York Grand Jury. The US is behind other countries in our ability to sequence and track COVID variants, but the White House announced they would devote $200 million to expanding those efforts and there’s even more in the upcoming economic relief package. In the UK, prime Minister Boris Johnson is hoping to slowly ease out of lockdown, with a plan to reopen schools on in two weeks. And in headlines: officers in Colorado didn’t have a legal basis for frisking and restraining Elijah McClain, Virginia will become the first Southern state to end the death penalty, and a new podcast from Obama and Springsteen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The US is approaching 500,000 deaths from Covid-19. But there is good news, too: New studies suggest that the vaccines might prevent transmission, and Biden’s goal of administering 100 million COVID vaccine shots in 100 days seems very much within reach.  The extreme weather in Texas is improving, with power back on. Now, the focus is shifting to ensuring people have food and safe water. Some Texans have also discovered that the state’s unregulated, market-driven energy system has led to them being stuck with soaring electricity bills following last weeks energy scarcity. We explain. And in headlines: organizers in Myanmar call for a general strike to protest military takeover, Merrick Garland’s confirmation hearing, and the family of Malcom X brings forward new evidence in government assassination plot. Show Links: "Texas Blackouts Point to Coast-to-Coast Crises Waiting to Happen" https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/20/climate/united-states-infrastructure-storms.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage Follow Crooked Media on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/ Follow What A Day on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whataday/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Black Americans still frequently have to break barriers to become elected, appointed, or hired to do a thing. We spoke to people who have become the 'firsts’ to hold their position this past year, how they feel about it being celebrated, and the pressures that come with their new roles. Congress held its first hearing on last month’s GameStop insanity, with CEOs of trading platforms and hedge funds testifying, along with one of r/WallStreetBet’s most notable figures. Congressional Dems also put out a new immigration relief bill which includes an eight-year pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. And in headlines: Planned Parenthood sues to block anti-abortion law in South Carolina, Walmart announces raises for nearly half a million workers, and the Perseverance rover lands on Mars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Over two million Texans are still without power, and there’s a new storm on the way that’s expected to prolong the icy conditions. Oregon, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia are among the other states dealing with fallout from the extreme weather. New York’s AG Letitia James sued Amazon this week, alleging that some of its warehouses failed to keep workers safe during the pandemic. We also spoke to an Amazon employee that works in the company's Bessemer, Alabama fulfillment center about the unionization effort there, and what the company is doing to suppress it. And in headlines: Facebook blocks all news in Australia, LA’s board of education defunds school police, and millions of counterfeit N95 masks have been seized in the past few weeks. Show Links: "How you can help Texas winter storm victims" https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/17/us/texas-winter-storm-how-to-help-iyw-trnd/index.html "How to help and get help in Texas as the winter storm causes power outages" https://www.texastribune.org/2021/02/16/texas-power-outage-help-warming-shelter/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden was in Wisconsin yesterday on his first official trip since taking office making the pitch for his $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill. The House is preparing to vote on the bill by the end of next week, and after that, it heads to the Senate, where we could see a fight over whether to include the $15 minimum wage increase. Extreme winter weather has debilitated Texas’s weather grid, creating a dangerous situation that left over 3 million people without power last night and has led to multiple deaths. We explain what's behind the weather and the electricity issues. And in headlines: the NAACP files a lawsuit against Trump and Giuliani for their connection to the Capitol Hill riot, George Conway says the Lincoln Project should be investigated, and Oprah will interview Harry and Meghan. Show Links: Pod Save America apple.co/podsaveamerica   https://spoti.fi/podsaveamerica   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump’s second annual impeachment trial is over, after a vote of 57 to 43 led to his acquittal. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced yesterday that an independent commission will be established to investigate the insurrection. Yesterday, the WHO granted emergency use authorization for the AstraZeneca vaccine, which will kick off a UN-backed program to get vaccines to developing countries. In the US, average new daily coronavirus infections fell under 100,000 for the first time since November. And in headlines: freezing temperatures lead to power outages for millions, activists undergo hunger strike in Chicago, and blowback after New York’s Health Department undercounts COVID deaths in nursing homes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Biden announced yesterday that the US will have enough doses to vaccinate all Americans by the end of July. We talk to Dr. Anthony Fauci about the vaccines on the way, what they’ll mean as we start to face new variants, and mask guidance in the meantime. And in headlines: House managers wrapped up their final arguments in Trump’s second impeachment trial, queer and trans Americans will be protected under the Fair Housing Act, and Jeep pulls Bruce Springsteen’s ad after reports of his November DUI. Show Links: Youtube.com/crookedmedia Instagram.com/whataday Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The House Impeachment managers began to make their case against Trump yesterday, showing graphic and never-before-seen video footage that illustrated the scale and severity of the attack on the Capitol. We talk about our key takeaways from the day. The CDC updated its information on masks, saying that double masking can greatly reduce Covid transmission. Meanwhile, the Biden administration announced its plan to organize new mass vaccination sites that are meant to serve communities of color. And in headlines: the White House imposes sanctions on the military regime in Myanmar, Britney Spears’s conservatorship case will return to courts, and the NBA finalizes its position on singing the national anthem. Show Links: "Improve How Your Mask Protects You" https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/effective-masks.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The second impeachment trial began yesterday, with Senators voting 56 to 44 to uphold the trial as constitutional and move forward. House managers presented video of the siege on the Capitol paired with Trump’s inflammatory speech to rally-goers beforehand, while Trump’s lawyers tried and failed to frame Trump’s impeachment after leaving office as a “slippery slope.” A team from the World Health Organization has been in China investigating the origins of the coronavirus and they released preliminary findings yesterday. One prominent conspiracy theory they ruled out was the idea that the virus emanated from a Chinese lab, and they also said the virus had been circulating in Wuhan before its discovery at a seafood market. And in headlines: hate crimes committed against Asian-Americans in the US is skyrocketing, the CEO of Riot Games faces a lawsuit for gender discrimination and misconduct, and the world’s first 3D printed T-bone steak. Show Links: "WATCH: Rep. Raskin presents graphic video timeline of Jan. 6 attack on U.S. Capitol" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otfPps9s8HM Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump’s Senate impeachment trial begins today. Trump’s team continues to argue that the trial itself is unconstitutional… that’s what they’ll be debating with House managers today. Many of the country’s largest retail and grocery chains have suspended “hero pay” to essential workers, despite having a profitable 2020. Now cities and counties are trying to increase wages with local ordinances, but the businesses are fighting back. And in headlines: rescuers in India are working to find people after a Himalayan glacier disaster, inmates in a St. Louis prison call for better protections against COVID, and Facebook to remove vaccine misinfo. Show Links: "Local COVID-19 hazard pay mandates are doing what Congress and most corporations aren’t for essential workers" https://www.brookings.edu/blog/the-avenue/2021/01/27/local-covid-19-hazard-pay-mandates-are-doing-what-congress-and-most-corporations-arent-for-essential-workers/amp/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Coronavirus cases in the US are in decline from last month, and the daily speed of vaccinations has picked up. But concerns over variants continue. A new study supports the idea that the new, more contagious strain first discovered in the UK could become the dominant strain the US by March. Democrats are working to include expanded child tax credits in the Covid relief bill. The inclusion of a minimum wage hike to $15 an hour is in question, with Biden saying he’s not sure the rules of the Senate will allow it. And in headlines: Haiti faces a constitutional crisis surrounding its president’s term, SCOTUS rules that California can resume indoor church service, and Amazon uses AI to monitor its delivery drivers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The House voted to strip Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene of her committee assignments for spreading conspiracy theories and endorsing violence against Democrats on social media.  President Biden announced that the United States will end its support of Saudi Arabia’s military campaign in Yemen. A war that has helped create what the UN calls the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. We spoke to California Representative Ro Khanna about the decision, what led to it, and what it means for progressives and activists who want their voices heard on issues of US foreign policy. And in headlines: McKinsey to pay states nearly $600 million for its role in the opioid crisis, another voting tech company sues conspiracy-mongering Trump allies, and Trump won’t testify in his Senate impeachment trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amazon faces its first unionization vote in the country in seven years next week in Bessemer, Alabama, and if the workers decide to unionize, it could spark waves of action across the country. We interviewed Christian Smalls, a former Amazon employee, who led a walkout last March at a warehouse in Staten Island and was subsequently fired. He told us about his experience, his thoughts on the union push in Alabama, and what's next for essential workers. And in headlines: Andrew Cuomo signs a bill to repeal the “walking while trans” ban in New York, Canada designates the Proud Boys as a terrorist organization, and country music’s Morgan Wallen gets dropped after using the n-word. Show Links: "Amazon to face first U.S. unionization vote in seven years next month" https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/01/15/amazon-union-alabama-vote/ The Congress Of Essential Workers https://tcoew.org/ Follow Christian Smalls on Twitter https://twitter.com/Shut_downAmazon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump’s second impeachment trial starts next week in the Senate, and yesterday we got a preview of the arguments both sides will be making. We go through the details of legal filings from the House Managers, and the response from Trump's team. Democrats in the Senate voted yesterday to get the budget reconciliation process started, which they could use to pass coronavirus relief. Meanwhile, Biden signed three executive orders focused on immigration, including one to reunite families that were separated by Trump's immigration policies. And in headlines: Russia’s COVID vaccine is highly safe and effective, Wikipedia rolls out new code of conduct, and Jeff Bezos steps down as Amazon’s CEO. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The daily pace of vaccinations is picking up, with some states working faster than others. We talk about states that have given the most shots per capita, and what’s led them to succeed relative to the country at-large. Following the 2020 election, Republicans at the state level are doing all they can to pass laws to suppress the vote, particularly vote-by-mail. It’s also a redistricting year. We explain. And in headlines: police in Rochester pepper sprayed a Black 9-year-old girl while she was handcuffed, Facebook and Apple feud over data privacy, and Robinhood got 2.4 billion in funding yesterday. Show Links: Subscribe to Hysteria! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hysteria/id1399025196 "After Record Turnout, Republicans Are Trying to Make It Harder to Vote" https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/30/us/republicans-voting-georgia-arizona.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A group of Republican Senators are sending Biden a counter-proposal on Covid relief. They want to slash the bill by over a trillion dollars, and limit the size and scope of stimulus checks. They’re framing it as a bipartisan solution, but Democrats are reportedly planning to move forward with their own plan using budget reconciliation. The average number of new cases in the US has dropped off significantly since peaking three weeks ago, but January was still an awful month in the pandemic, and the presence of new variants has the potential to disrupt progress. Johnson & Johnson released data for their one-shot vaccine candidate last Friday. We explain what to make of it. And in headlines: several members of Myanmar’s ruling party were detained in a possible military coup, Hong Kong residents can now apply to become permanent British citizens, and Trump hires two new attorneys for his Senate impeachment trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The COVID strain first discovered in South Africa was found in the United States for the first time in the state of South Carolina. This strain is more contagious, and there’s some concern that it might be slightly more vaccine resistant than the strains we’ve been dealing with thus far. Robinhood and similar trading platforms restricted purchases of Gamestop stock and other companies targeted by Redditors yesterday, and the values of those stocks dropped off dramatically. We talk through the steps that brought us to this point, how lawmakers are reacting, and what's next. And in headlines: nationwide protests in Poland as the government enacts a near-total abortion ban, Austin votes to use police money to fund supportive housing, and GM will stop making gas and diesel powered cars by 2035. Show Links: "Robinhood’s Customers Are Hedge Funds Like Citadel, Its Users Are the Product" https://www.vice.com/en/article/qjpnz5/robinhoods-customers-are-hedge-funds-like-citadel-its-users-are-the-product Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At the Biden team's first public health briefing, officials noted that the number of COVID cases and hospitalizations in the US is on a downward trend, and they also emphasized the importance of genomic sequencing for detecting coronavirus variants. Over 10 million people are still out of work due to the pandemic, and recent data suggest that the economy isn't getting any better. We spoke to people who have lost their jobs about what they are going through right now, months and months into the crisis. And in headlines: a Seattle Seahawks player arrested on suspicion of felony domestic violence, Biden signs executive orders directed at climate change, and another banner day for stonks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Impeachment is moving forward in the Senate despite a Republican effort to dismiss it yesterday, but a conviction next month doesn't seem likely. Meanwhile, Senate leaders finally came to an agreement on Monday on how the 50-50 chamber would run, with the filibuster intact. For many of President Biden’s larger goals, he will need Congress to cooperate. We spoke to Crooked Media’s Editor in Chief and host of Rubicon, Brian Beutler, about the new Congress and Biden’s first 100 days in office. And in headlines: Biden signs four executive orders targeted at fighting racial inequality, farmers continue to protest in India, and Putin and Biden get on the phone. Show Links: Subscribe to Rubicon: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rubicon-the-first-hundred-days-of-the-biden-presidency/id1485109198 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pfizer and Moderna say their vaccines may be less effective against a new coronavirus variant first identified in South Africa. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom somewhat inexplicably lifted statewide stay-at-home orders… that decision received quick backlash given the dire state of the pandemic, especially in Southern California. Ice loss around the globe is accelerating at a record pace according to a new study, and is line with the worst case climate change scenarios that scientists projected. We discuss Biden’s early efforts to counteract climate change, including plans to limit new drilling on federal land, and more. And in headlines: Biden lifts Trump’s ban on transgender service members in the military, Amazon warehouse workers will vote on whether they want to unionize, and Rudy Giuliani faces a $1.3 billion lawsuit for Dominion defamation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The House is expected to send the article of impeachment to the Senate today, with the trial set to begin the week of February 8th. There’s a distinct lack of harmony right now in the GOP, with House members who voted to impeach Trump facing backlash from local party officials, and national Republican leaders trying to hold things together.  The US surpassed 25 million COVID cases this weekend, with some researchers saying the latest surge may have peaked… but where it has leveled off is a disaster. We talk through the state of vaccinations nationally, plus what we need to know about coronavirus variants.  And in headlines: Chicago Teachers Union votes to defy an order to return to in-person teaching, anti-Putin protests in Russia, and Miami Heat to use dogs to test for COVID. Show Links: "Black, Deaf And Extremely Online" https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/23/us/black-american-sign-language-tiktok.html "Vaccines Alone Will Not Halt The Raging U.S. Pandemic, Modelling Shows" https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/01/24/world/covid-19-coronavirus/vaccines-alone-will-not-halt-the-raging-us-pandemic-modeling-shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Biden released a 200-page national plan yesterday to centralize the COVID response effort, along with a flurry of executive orders and directives targeted at the health crisis. Plus, a more candid Dr. Fauci did his first press briefing under the new administration. The vaccine goal for the Biden administration is 100 million shots in the first 100 days. We spoke with Dr. Ashish Jha, Dean of Brown University’s School of Public Health about that plan, whether it’s fast enough, the threat of new variants, and more. And we’re joined by actor and comedian Alice Wetterlund for headlines: rumors of a forbidden romance between a 30 Rock Star and a MyPillow guy, new rooster laws in France, and Instacart fires all its unionized employees. Show Links: Listen to Rubicon Season 2: https://crooked.com/podcast-series/rubicon/ Follow Alice Wetterlund: https://twitter.com/alicewetterlund Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yesterday was inauguration day, which saw President Biden give his first speech as president on themes of unity, the division in our country, and a need to get back to telling the truth. Kamala Harris was sworn in as the first woman ever to be Vice President, and the first Black woman and Indian-American woman as well. Biden signed a total of 17 orders, proclamations, and memoranda on his first day in office, including directives to rejoin the World Health Organization, halt construction of Trump’s border wall, and more. And in headlines: Trump administration officials were hit with sanctions by China, Trump issues clemency to 143 people on his last day in office, and Trump’s kids to retain their security details for 6 months longer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump leaves office today after four years of hellish incompetence. We reflect on the challenges President Biden and Vice-President Harris will inherit as they takeover. The Senate trial for Trump’s impeachment still looms, as do Cabinet confirmations. Plus, Biden plans to send Congress a major immigration bill today, which is expected to include a path to citizenship for 11 million immigrants living in the US without legal status.  And in headlines: the SAT’s will no longer have optional essays or subject tests, corporations pause donations to GOP lawmakers who voted not to certify the election, and North Carolina Senator Richard Burr won’t be charged with insider trading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Over the weekend, Biden’s team announced the president-elect’s agenda for the first ten days of his term, plus a dozen or so executive actions Biden intends to sign on Inauguration Day. We discuss. Tomorrow's inauguration will have a massive security presence, with tens of thousands of National Guard troops headed to DC. Across the country, authorities continue to arrest people who participated in the January 6th attack, and states remain on high alert for any violent demonstrations. And in headlines: misinformation down on social media following Trump’s ban, Samsung’s chief is headed to prison again, and a pandemic-defining relationship comes to an end as Affleck and de Armas break up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Biden unveiled his proposal for a $1.9 trillion COVID rescue package yesterday, which includes $1,400 stimulus checks, an increase in federal unemployment benefits, plus $160 billion for a national vaccine program. New York attorney general is suing Mayor Bill De Blasio and the NYPD for excessive force against protestors this summer. This marks the first time in history that the state AG has sued the NYPD. And in headlines: US Capitol Police are being investigated for failing to keep a pro-Trump mob from storming Congress, Jared and Ivanka can’t share their toilets, and Disneyland suspends its annual pass program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The House voted to impeach Donald Trump for the second time yesterday, making him the first president to be impeached twice. Soon-to-be minority leader Mitch McConnell said the Senate won’t take up the impeachment until after Biden takes office, and whether Republicans will convict him remains unknown. There were over 4,400 deaths from COVID-19 in the US on Tuesday, and hospitalizations are still exceeding 130,000. Experts are cautioning that the new, more transmissible variant of the virus first found in the UK could begin to become the dominant strain in the US in a couple months. And in headlines: the Census Bureau has stopped all work on a Trump policy, SCOTUS upholds a rule making it more difficult to get the abortion pill, and a star-studded lineup is announced for the Biden-Harris inauguration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The House is planning to vote on impeachment today. Democrats and some number of Republicans are expected to support it, like Wyoming Representative Liz Cheney. The FBI and DOJ held the first press conference since the attack on the Capitol yesterday. Their investigation will likely be a months long process that could lead to hundreds of charges. The Trump administration will move to release all available doses of COVID vaccines instead of reserving some for booster shots. As of Monday, about 9 million people are estimated to have received at least one dose. And in headlines: Michigan’s former governor and several state officials will be charged for their roles in the Flint water crisis, Congress set to start fining reps for not wearing masks, and “baby sharks” the size of adult humans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The business community is responding to the siege on the Capitol by suspending contributions to lawmakers who didn’t vote to certify the election results, or in some cases, suspending political donations altogether. Security concerns continue to arise following the events of last week, including armed protests that the FBI says are being planned in all 50 state capitals between now and the inauguration. We talk about the effort to ramp up security around the country. And in headlines: Rudy Giuliani’s license to practice law is at risk, the State Department re-designates Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, and Patriots coach Bill Belichick won’t accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump. Show Links: "More corporations suspend donations to Republicans who objected to Electoral College vote" https://popular.info/p/update-more-corporations-suspend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Speaker Nancy Pelosi says the House will try to pass a resolution to get Vice President Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment, and if he doesn’t, the House plans to begin the process of impeaching Trump for a second time. We spoke to Representative Mondaire Jones of New York, who experienced the violent siege on his fourth day on the job, and was one of the first to call for impeachment. The FBI reportedly arrested two men yesterday who were pictured in the Senate chamber last week with zip ties and military-type clothing. Others, like the man who wore a fur headdress during the attack on the Capitol, have been arrested as well. And in headlines: Amazon Web Services to stop hosting Parler, Biden plans to release all the available vaccine doses at once, and Hilaria Baldwin loses her first sponsor following Spanish-gate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After Trump incited an attack on the nation’s Capitol, Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi want Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove the President, and a second impeachment of Trump by Democrats is also on the table. Resignations abound in Trump-world right now. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos resigned yesterday, along with others responsible for security at the Capitol building. Plus, writer and comedian Grace Parra joins us for headlines: Elon Musk becomes the richest man on Earth, no booze on American Airlines flights from DC, and the legend of Denmark’s John Dillerman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Violent mobs broke into the nation’s Capitol yesterday in a failed coup attempt, which was incited and encouraged by President Trump and many other Republican politicians who continue to reject the results of the election. By evening, lawmakers resumed their effort to certify the election. The two Georgia Senate runoff races were called for Democrats Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock. Organizers like Stacey Abrams worked tirelessly in Georgia to stop gerrymandering, disenfranchisement, and oppression in the state… their efforts continue to pay off. And in headlines: two detectives responsible for Breonna Taylor’s death fired in Louisville, police in Hong Kong raid the homes of pro-democracy figures, and Trump slams gig workers on his way out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Votes are coming in from the Georgia runoff elections, with the results generally looking positive for Democrats… but we’re still waiting on the final calls. Congress meets today to certify Joe Biden’s presidential victory, with about a dozen Republican senators and more House Republicans set to object and add hours of needless debate. Yesterday, the Surgeon General said that the CDC guidelines for the order of vaccinations should not be used to allow doses to sit in freezers. This runs counter to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has been doing in his state. And in headlines: the police officer who shot Jacob Blake won’t face criminal charges, Trump’s EPA fights war on birds, and Amazon is disrupting shirts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's Senate runoffs in Georgia will determine control of Congress, the future of economic relief, and the country’s response to existential threats like climate change. We spoke to Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey about the Georgia races, what Biden can do on his own on climate, and how to deal with Republicans who want to erase the will of voters. And in headlines: the UK says Assange can’t be extradited to the US, hundreds of Google workers unionize, and Florida counties use EventBrite for vaccine scheduling. Show Links: If you are in Georgia and need more information on how to vote, please go to votesaveamerica.com/georgia If you run into any issues voting or witness voter suppression or intimidation, call the voter protection hotline: 1-833-DEM-VOTE — 1-833-336-8683 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a leaked phone call from this weekend, Trump used every line he could to pressure Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensberger to overturn the state's election results. About a dozen GOP senators say they’re going to raise objections during the congressional vote to certify the presidential election this week, in a show of election theater that will lead nowhere. A more-contagious coronavirus variant first discovered in the UK has been identified in California, Florida, and Colorado. Despite predictions from the federal government that 20 million Americans would receive their first vaccine dose by the end of December, the current number is about 4.2 million… we discuss why that is. And in headlines: India approves two COVID vaccines, Pelosi reelected as Speaker, and Bitcoin does huge numbers on its 12th anniversary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The future of our democracy hinges on the outcome of two Senate races in Georgia, a state that shocked the nation by flipping for the first time in nearly three decades. In this multi-part podcast, visit the frontlines with two of Atlanta’s own - journalists Rembert Browne and Jewel Wicker as they detail the struggles and triumphs that led to this moment, and hear from the organizers, strategists, and voters hoping to change the South forever.  Our new podcast, “Gaining Ground: The New Georgia” is a co-production of Tenderfoot TV and Crooked Media. Subscribe and listen to the first 2 episodes now, wherever you listen to podcasts: gaininggroundpodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Congressional leaders are putting together the final pieces of an emerging deal on COVID relief, but the negotiations could continue into the weekend. We spoke to Congressman Ro Khanna about the relief bill, the Biden transition and what gives him hope for next year. This year saw the largest-ever racial justice uprisings since the 1960s, following the racist killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and many other Black Americans. We looked back at some of the conversations we’ve had with activists, journalists, and elected officials about the movement and what it means to them.  For our final round of headlines, we focused on the issue of policing: the botched raid of Anjanette Young’s apartment in Chicago and the city’s attempt to keep it quiet, new studies that show giving police military gear doesn’t lower crime rates, and Tamika Palmer’s open letter to Joe Biden about her daughter, Breonna Taylor. Show Announcement: What A Day will be off for the rest of the year & back on Monday January 4th. Thank you for listening and we'll see you next year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Congressional leaders think they could pass a roughly $900 billion stimulus bill by the end of the week, which might include direct payments, but won't include money for states and localities. A deal can’t come soon enough: eight million Americans have been pushed into poverty since this summer, while jobless claims (and COVID cases) are rising. The Supreme Court announced it will hear a case on compensation of athletes in the NCAA. Players think the NCAA’s cap on student athlete compensation violates antitrust laws… not to mention, college sports bring in billions in revenue each year on the backs of majority Black athletes. And in headlines: Bezos’s ex Mackenzie Scott gave away $6 billion in 2020, Jackass guys got broke off on day two of filming, and at long last Trump gets new shower-head rules on the books. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg was announced as Biden’s nominee for transportation secretary yesterday, and former Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm is expected to be picked to lead the Energy Department. We discuss those picks, plus other recent Biden nominees, like Marcia Fudge, Tom Vilsack, and Denis McDonough.  The Dolly Parton-backed Moderna vaccine has been reviewed by the FDA and found to have an efficacy rate of 94.1 percent. Zooming out, a New York Times report said it may take until 2024 for less affluent countries to fully immunize their population, since rich countries have bought up all the supply.  And in headlines: Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for kidnapping 300 boys in Nigeria last Friday, European countries announce antitrust proposals for tech companies, and Prince Harry and Meghan are podcasters now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first coronavirus vaccines were administered in the US yesterday, and public education efforts also got underway with the HHS and CDC emphasizing the safety of the drug.  Congress has one week left to agree on a relief bill before they go on recess. The latest proposal splits provisions into two parts, one that everyone can agree on, and one that contains more controversial elements. We explain, plus get into why Senator Bernie Sanders says he’ll vote against the bills.  And in headlines: Bill Barr out as AG, PornHub deletes around 10 million videos after NYT op-ed, and powerful women rise up to defend Dr. Jill Biden against a WSJ hater. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was authorized by the FDA on Friday evening, and the first shipments went out on Sunday. Most state governments intend to follow CDC recommendations and give the first few batches to health care workers and nursing home residents and staff… members of the Trump White House might also get it early. Today is the official electoral college vote, after which Biden and Harris will officially become the President-elect and Vice President-elect. Some Republicans may try to raise final objections when Congress counts the electoral votes in January, but… the end is near. And in headlines: A judge orders the jail population in Orange County, California to be cut in half, pro-Trump protestors demonstrate and commit violence in D.C., and Russian hackers infiltrate the Treasury and Commerce Department. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The FDA’s advisory panel voted to approve emergency authorization of the Pfizer-BionNTech coronavirus vaccine. Once it’s authorized, which could be any day now, an initial shipment of about 6.4 million doses is expected to be sent across the country.  The state of the pandemic in the United States is extremely dire, with this week bringing a new record in single day fatalities, and a record number of people hospitalized across the country. One of the main sources of reliable data throughout the pandemic has been the Covid Tracking Project. We spoke to Alexis Madrigal, one of its co-founders, about the current numbers, how we measure where we’re at, and where we go from here. Plus, we’re joined by writer and comedian Tien Tran for headlines: Amazon’s new invasive fitness tracker, MPD defunds the police, and a DMT study in England. Show Links: https://covidtracking.com/ https://www.theatlantic.com/author/alexis-madrigal/  Listen to Tien Tran on Hysteria and find her on Instagram: https://crooked.com/podcast-series/hysteria/ https://www.instagram.com/hanktina/?hl=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Facebook is facing two major antitrust lawsuits, one from the Federal Trade Commission and one from nearly every state in the country. The suits argue that Facebook has turned itself into a social media monopoly by purchasing or unfairly stifling its rivals. As a solution, the FTC is calling for the company to break off WhatsApp and Instagram. An FDA panel is meeting today to vote on whether to approve Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine. Meanwhile, Canada has now approved it, and the UK is now recommending that people prone to severe allergic reactions hold off on getting it. And in headlines: another Trump EPA win for polluters, DoorDash has a banger IPO, and there’s more stuff than life now on Earth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As vaccinations kick off in the UK, the approval process is moving forward here in the US as well. The FDA now says Pfizer’s vaccine offers protection within just 10 days of getting the first dose, though efficacy goes up even further after a second one. Authorization is still pending. The US had planned to rely heavily on the AstraZeneca vaccine, having made a deal to buy 300 million doses… but new data indicate the drug isn’t as effective as some of the other options being reviewed.  On his first day, the new district attorney of Los Angeles George Gascón announced a suite of policy reforms that will change how law enforcement is done in the city. Gascón is part of a larger wave of newly-elected progressive DA’s, from places like Austin, Orlando, and New Orleans. And in headlines: the Army fires or suspends 14 officials at Fort Hood, police raid the home of COVID data scientist Rebekah Jones, and Christopher Nolan is not happy with Warner Bros. Show Links: "Blunders Eroded U.S. Confidence in Early Vaccine Front-Runner" https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/08/business/covid-vaccine-oxford-astrazeneca.html "AstraZeneca vaccine details published in Lancet, but data suggests need for more trials" https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/astrazeneca-lancet-covid-vaccine-oxford/2020/12/08/482ca0f0-34b5-11eb-9699-00d311f13d2d_story.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A bipartisan relief bill that had some momentum last week hit a snag after two senators said they won’t support the proposal. We explain. Plus, an update on coronavirus restrictions in New York. The Trump administration has five executions planned between now and January 20th, including that of Brandon Bernard, whose sentence many are fighting to commute. Biden is against the death penalty and said he will work to end it as president.  And in headlines: police shooting of 23-year-old Casey Goodson in Ohio, the Trump admin passed on extra doses of the Pfizer vaccine, and one weird trick pandas use to stay warm. Show Links: https://www.helpsavebrandon.com/ "Brandon Bernard Awaits Execution Amid Calls for Clemency" https://theintercept.com/2020/12/05/federal-executions-brandon-bernard/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Biden has reportedly selected California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, who led the defense of the Affordable Care Act in the Supreme Court last month, to lead the department of Health and Human Services. We discuss the pick. California Governor Gavin Newsom’s new lockdown order takes effect today in large parts of the state, and will be in effect for at least the next three weeks but possibly longer.  The UK will begin its initial batch of COVID-19 vaccinations this week, using the drug from Pfizer. Russia began vaccinating thousands in Moscow with their Sputnik V vaccine this past weekend, and there’s reporting that China is gearing up for a rollout of vaccines, too.  And in headlines: judge orders DACA restored, hundreds of thousands of farmers strike in India, and Trump doesn’t nail the messaging in Georgia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There’s about a month left to go until the two Senate runoffs in Georgia, with Republican Senators Loeffler and Perdue walking the line of campaigning as a check on Biden while also not admitting that he will be the President. Meanwhile, Democratic challengers Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff are focusing largely on the pandemic and the multi-million dollar stock trades both their Republican opponents made in its early weeks. We spoke to Nse Ufot, the CEO of the New Georgia Project, which registered almost half a million people in Georgia leading up to the November election. She told us about what matters to voters in Georgia, how she thinks Trump’s attacks on the integrity of the election is affecting the race, and more. And in headlines: Bangladesh moves Rohingya families to a settlement on a remote island, Facebook to remove false COVID-19 vaccine info, and mayors are behaving badly. Show Links: votesaveamerica.com/georgia newgeorgiaproject.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The UK became the first country to authorize Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine yesterday, with vaccinations expected to begin next week. In the US, the CDC voted to give health care workers and residents of long term facilities access to the vaccine first, if and when it's approved. CDC director Dr. Robert Redfield predicted that the US could see close to 450,000 deaths from COVID-19 by next February, but that could be mitigated by following public health protocols. The CDC also put out a new holiday travel advisory and new guidelines on quarantining before and after a trip. And in headlines: PPP loans for small businesses went to big businesses, no more emotional-support dogs on flights, and the White House defends its right to have Christmas parties. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Attorney General Bill Barr said what is obvious to everyone, that the Justice Department hasn’t found any election of widespread voter fraud that would change the result of the election. As Trump winds down his presidency, he’s reportedly looking into pre-emptive pardons for Ivanka, Eric, Don Jr., Jared Kushner, and his face-melting lawyer Rudy Giuliani.  A bipartisan group of senators pitched a compromise relief bill yesterday, which would extend some federal unemployment assistance and fund state and local governments, but would stop short of offering direct payments. An estimated 12 million Americans will lose COVID-relief benefits the day after Christmas if Congress can’t come to a deal.  And in headlines: Uber buys Postmates, LA nearly shuts down COVID-testing site for gender-swapped reboot of “She’s All That,” and the story of the loneliest elephant in the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Biden officially announced several top members of his economic team, including his picks to lead the Treasury, White House Council of Economic Advisers, and the Office of Management and Budget. We talk about the picks and what it says about Biden's economic priorities. Moderna submitted its vaccine for FDA authorization yesterday, following Pfizer’s submission a couple weeks ago. The CDC is holding an emergency meeting today to hammer out some guidelines for states on who should get their COVID shots first.  And in headlines: SCOTUS hears arguments on Trump’s plan to keep undocumented immigrants out of the census count, a London lab uses AI to predict the shapes of proteins, and Spiderman is able to have in-person school in Atlanta. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New York City is opening up elementary schools next week after city officials faced heavy criticism for appearing to prioritize economic activities like restaurant dining over the well-being of children. Across the country, public school closures have led to a spike in private school matriculation, since private institutions have a better chance of staying open.  Trump still hasn’t conceded yet, but he has ramped up predictable lame-duck behavior like pushing through a battery of new rules and policy changes. Some policies might not pass legal muster or will be easy for the Biden administration to reverse, but others will have a lasting impact.  And in headlines: Biden announces the first all-female senior White House communications team, Iran’s foremost nuclear scientist assassinated, and the Utah monolith is gone in a cloud of dirt. Show Links: "Trump Races to Weaken Environmental and Worker Protections, and Implement Other Last-Minute Policies, Before Jan. 20" https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-races-to-weaken-environmental-and-worker-protections-and-implement-other-last-minute-policies-before-jan-20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michigan and Wayne County have repeatedly been targeted in Trump’s attempts to overturn the election results. In particular, he and his supporters have singled out Detroit, a heavily Democratic, majority-Black city. We talk to Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib about that effort. Plus, we get her take on what’s next for House Democrats and what she’d like to see from the Biden administration.  And in headlines: what happens when the Pope likes posts, no more politics in Animal Crossing, and Rudy Giuliani melts. Plus, we’re joined by writer and comedian Demi Adejuyigbe. Show Links: Find Demi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/electrolemon  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yesterday brought more bad news about the current state of the pandemic, even as we got more good news about ending it in the future. The entire public school system in New York City, the largest in the country, is going fully remote as cases rise in the city. Meanwhile, the FDA gave emergency use authorization to the first at-home COVID test, and Pfizer said their vaccine is 95% effective, according to new data. Trump’s attempts to overturn the election are ongoing, but they’re ongoing poorly. We discuss the state of play in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania — where Trump’s team is targeting Black and Democratic counties. Plus, the latest on the recount in Georgia. And in headlines: the Trump administration can no longer deport children who cross the southern border, Boeing’s 737 Max airplanes are once again approved to fly, and Apple cuts fees on small app developers but critics say it’s not enough. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The US is in an extremely dangerous period of the pandemic, with cases and hospitalizations at record highs, holidays fast approaching, and little in the way of a federal response. Our guest host for today —epidemiologist and former Detroit health commissioner Dr. Abdul El-Sayed — answers our questions about the current state of affairs, vaccine updates, Thanksgiving, and what gives him hope about a Biden administration.  And in headlines: Hurricane Iota update in Central America, Apple faces privacy lawsuit in Europe, and Dolly helped get us the Moderna vaccine. Show Links: Listen to America Dissected crooked.com/americadissected Shop the Crooked Store store.crooked.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pharmaceutical company Moderna announced yesterday that its vaccine is 94.5% effective, according to early data. This comes after Pfizer's announcement last week and raises the prospects that two vaccines could cleared for use on a limited basis by the end of the year. With two senate runoffs set for January, all eyes are on Georgia. We talk about the candidates, the issues, and the organizers animating the race. And in headlines: more than 92,000 people have filed abuse claims against the Boy Scouts, “Stop The Steal” lawsuits stopped in four states, and more on this weekend’s NASA-SpaceX launch. Show Links: Sign up to Adopt Georgia: votesaveamerica.com/georgia Donate to Warnock & Ossoff: votesaveamerica.com/getmitch Donate to grassroots organizations in Georgia: votesave.us/everylastvote Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The federal government still hasn’t affirmed Biden's victory, blocking him from the White House access he needs to get a handle on the transition and the government's pandemic response. America has now surpassed 11 million COVID-19 cases, and the virus is still predominately affecting Black and Brown Americans. Some states are taking sweeping actions to slow rising case numbers, like New Mexico and Oregon, which have both reimposed lockdown measures. And in headlines: new NYPD data show the limits of independent oversight committees, leaders from 15 Asia-Pacific countries sign the world’s largest free trade deal, and Chad Wolf’s moves to limit DACA weren’t legal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Biden’s lead has only grown since major networks projected him to win the presidential election last weekend, and despite that, Trump has continued to baselessly claim that he is the true winner and delay Biden’s transition process. To better understand the nuances of Trump’s lawsuits and whether we have anything at all to worry about, we spoke to Risk Hasen, a law professor at UC Irvine who specializes in election law and campaign finance.  And in headlines: over 700,000 people file for unemployment, wolves as a first line of defense against chronic wasting disease, and YouTube Rewind is cancelled for this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The US is still in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the number of confirmed cases rising by 70 percent in the past two weeks. The CDC put out a new guidance that said face masks protect the person wearing the mask as well as the people around them—which is one more reason to keep wearing them.  Republicans are still occupying an alternate reality where they largely refuse to acknowledge that Joe Biden has won the presidential election, even as Biden and his team of outside allies start preparing for the transition. Biden announced former White House ebola response coordinator Ron Klain as his Chief Of Staff, and we’re learning more about his plans to address the global climate crisis.  And in headlines: a president’s ouster in Peru, TikTok asks for clarity on ban, and Ring recalls doorbells after they light on fire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Secretary Of State Mike Pompeo made a bad “joke” yesterday that led many to believe Trump will continue to ignore the election results… which is making it harder for President-elect Joe Biden to begin the transition process. Trump’s lawsuits to challenge election results have been mostly unsuccessful and lacking in any evidence. We go through a few examples, as well as what comes next in the election certification process. And in headlines: Amazon faces antitrust charges in the EU, who’s making the McDonald’s McPlant, and a deep-dive into the story of Dean Browning’s alleged burner account. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pfizer says an initial analysis of their vaccine found it was more than 90 percent effective in preventing COVID-19. President-elect Joe Biden announced his 13-member pandemic task force, which includes health experts that previously served in Republican and Democratic administrations. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell backed Trump’s refusal to accept the results of the election yesterday, while simultaneously welcoming new incoming Republican senators. In Georgia, current senators Perdue and Loeffler are demanding that the Republican secretary of state step down over the election, without providing evidence to support their vague claims of “failures.” And in headlines: Hurricane Eta made landfall in the Florida Keys, Blue Ivy Carter narrates an audiobook, and Trump ousts Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The presidential race was called this weekend for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, leading to spontaneous celebrations across the country. Biden and Harris gave their first speeches as President-elect and Vice President-elect on Saturday night, reiterating their message of unity and sketching out a mandate that includes rooting out systemic racism, working towards and economic fairness, and tackling climate change. The country recorded its 10 millionth COVID case over the weekend, which is higher than any other country on earth. Today Biden is set to announce a COVID task force, as part of a weeklong focus on the pandemic and healthcare. And in headlines: the latest on the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, Mexico to legalize marijuana, and a closer look at the saga of Four Seasons Total Landscaping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A significant number of ballots were counted yesterday in states where races have been too close to call, leading to gains for Joe Biden in Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Georgia. At this point, Trump would need everything to break his way to win the election—and that doesn’t seem likely. Biden’s campaign continued to project confidence yesterday, while Trump did a press conference where he tried out every anti-Democratic lie he could think of.  Looking at the Senate races: the Ossoff/Perdue race in Georgia got even tighter yesterday, meaning there will be a runoff election in January. This will take place alongside the Warnock/Loeffler runoff, and could allow the Democrats to tie up the Senate.  And in headlines: rising tensions in Ethiopia lead to fears of civil war, Jared Kushner’s apartment company tries to evict hundreds during the pandemic, and another new lava planet we can move to. Show Links: votesaveamerica.com/protect Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Biden now has the most votes of any presidential candidate in history, and he’s won two more key states in his path to 270 electoral votes: Michigan and Wisconsin. We’re still waiting on calls in five battleground states: Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. We discuss where things stand, and how the two campaigns are responding. Spoiler alert: one is being dignified and the other is trying to derail the democratic process. Meanwhile, things aren't looking so good for Democrats in the Senate. Susan Collins won re-election in Maine, making the chances of a Dem majority much slimmer. And in headlines: the US sees over 100,000 new COVID cases in a single day, passage of California’s Proposition 22 sends ride-share stocks soaring, and re-examining the gender roles of hunter-gatherers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yesterday was Election Day, and it ended as we expected it to: without an official call on the presidential race. There wasn’t a Biden landslide like we hoped, but as we went to record last night, he still had a path to victory. We discuss that path, some surprising and less surprising calls, and how the two presidential candidates treated the results.  Looking at Congress, Democrats retained control of the House, adding some cool new progressives including Cori Bush, Jamaal Bowman, and Marie Newman. The jury’s still out on who will control the Senate.  And in headlines: the US is no longer part of the Paris Climate Agreement, record-setting COVID numbers in the US, and Trump destroys Lil Wayne’s relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After four long hard years, we’ve made it to election day… now we just need to make it through the next 24, to 48, to 100-plus hours. We discuss when the results will come in and what we’ll be watching out for. Plus, a look at some key Senate races in states that could flip.  And in headlines: battleground states were hit hardest with misinformation, voter preferences by first name, and a whale statue saves a train. Show Notes: If you run into any issues voting or witness voter suppression or intimidation, call the voter protection hotline: 1-833-DEM-VOTE — 1-833-336-8683 Make a plan to vote: votesaveamerica.com/plan Sign up to volunteer: votesaveamerica.com/volunteer Listen to Akilah's Spotify playlist "Chill Times Bro" https://open.spotify.com/playlist/69Sif17z5Lec1TTDudahnz?si=lET8v3wxRKKtkKmOGK-6Iw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Over 93 million people have voted as of Sunday night. More than 8 million of those voters are doing so for the first time, according to the data firm TargetSmart. We talk to a group of first time voters about why they are participating this year, and why they’re choosing Biden. The US hit a new record high of Covid-19 cases last Friday — with many swing states hitting record highs as well. And the UK announced a new lockdown to combat their rise in cases.  And in headlines: Typhoon Goni hits the Philippines, high school journalists bust Kentucky State Police, and a new giant coral discovered at the Great Barrier Reef. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another 5 million people cast ballots yesterday, bringing the vote total to over 80 million so far. We explain two recent Supreme Court decisions over voting rights in Pennsylvania and North Carolina… and what they could mean for the post-election count. The GDP went up by 7.4 percent in the third quarter, but the economy is still 3.5 percent smaller than it was pre-pandemic. Plus, we check in on the chances for a new relief bill after the election. And in headlines: Trump HHS can’t find one celebrity to make a PSA with, Jerry Falwell Jr. sues Liberty University, and Taiwan hasn’t had a domestic COVID case for 200 days. Plus, Phillip Picardi joins us as a special guest! Show Links: Listen to Phillip's show "Unholier Than Thou" https://crooked.com/podcast-series/unholier-than-thou/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COVID-19 numbers are up in the US, with more than 500,000 new cases over the past week. Trouble spots include El Paso, TX, where hospitals are stretched to capacity, plus the Dakotas, Wisconsin, and Montana. Europe is also seeing numbers spike, leading some countries to re-implement national shutdowns.  There are five days until election day, so we’re continuing to review notable ballot initiatives. Today, we discuss Utah and Nebraska amendments that would outlaw slavery as punishment for crimes, a Florida amendment that would raise the minimum wage, and more.  And in headlines: tens of thousands protested a new abortion law in Poland, tech CEOs testify about content moderation, a look at how swordfish stab. Show Links: votesaveamerica.com/volunteer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With less than a week until November 3rd, almost 70 million people have already voted in this election as of last night, which is over half the total in 2016. We talk with Charlotte Swasey, the Vice President of polling at Data for Progress, about how things are looking for Biden, how to read the polls, and what results we may and may not get on Election night.  And in headlines: protests in Philly over the shooting of Walter Wallace Jr., California’s record-breaking fire season continues, and Russia implements mask mandate. Show Links: Make a plan to vote: votesaveamerica.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amy Coney Barrett was officially confirmed as a Supreme Court justice, cementing a 6-3 conservative majority on the court. Barrett has not said whether she will recuse herself from cases having to do with this election… meanwhile, her confirmation has led even more moderate Democrats to warm up to the idea of court reform or expansion. Policing is on the ballot this year, with over 20 state and local measures that deal with law enforcement budgets, police oversight, marijuana legalization and more. We talk through some of those measures and the effect they might have if they pass. And in headlines: Chile votes to replace its constitution, China’s Ant Group has largest IPO in history, and the nation of Kazakhstan reclaims “very nice.” Show Links: votesaveameria.com/volunteer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At least 5 aides of Mike Pence including his Chief of Staff have tested positive for Covid-19, but Pence still isn’t going to quarantine. The country is seeing record numbers of new cases, with over 85,000 new cases last Friday… that fits with a recent admission from White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows that the federal government is “not going to control the pandemic.”  Over 59 million people have already voted in the election and far fewer votes are undecided this year than they were in 2016. We take a look at how Trump and Biden are spending their final week on the campaign trail and how polls are looking in key states.  And in headlines: police fatally shoot 19-year-old Marcellis Stinnette in Illinois, Spain declares a national state of emergency, and HHS blows a deal with Santa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last night Biden and Trump faced off in the second and final presidential debate. It was less interrupt-y and the candidates discussed everything from the pandemic to climate change and racism. We break down what Biden and Trump had to say, and the biggest news leading into the night.  And in headlines: Remdesivir approved, Pompeo signs an anti-abortion declaration, and a beautiful green dog is born in Italy. Show Links:  “What Prop 22’s Defeat Would Mean For Uber and Lyft — And Drivers” https://www.latimes.com/business/technology/story/2020-10-19/prop-22-explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The DOJ announced an $8.3 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma yesterday for illegally marketing their painkiller Oxycontin. The settlement doesn’t prevent members of the Sackler family, who own Purdue Pharma, from criminal liability and there is still a criminal case pending.  Protests continue in Nigeria against a notorious police unit called SARS, which has been accused of corruption, violence and other forms of abuse. Earlier this week, security forces fired on a crowd of protesters, reportedly killing several people and injuring others. And in headlines: lawyers unable to find parents of 545 children who were separated under Trump immigration policy, Big Ten mayors ask conference organizers to be COVID-cautious, and another Quick Bites the dust. Show Links: Support protesters in Nigeria: https://feministcoalition2020.com/ "These Twelve Elections Could Curb ICE's Power" https://theappeal.org/politicalreport/immigration-in-november-2020/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Justice Department filed a major lawsuit against Google saying that the company is illegally trying to maintain its search dominance using anti-competitive practices. We look at what's the behind the case and what it could mean for Google. Trial volunteers in London will be deliberately infected with COVID-19 to aid in vaccine research starting in January, if a plan by researchers gets approval from regulators. In the US, the governors of California and New York are pledging review any FDA-approved vaccine before disseminating it to the public in their states. And in headlines: a grand juror in the Breonna Taylor case speaks out, Ireland reimposes shutdown, and Phil Collins’ house is occupied by his ex-wife and armed guards. Show Links: "Why the US government is suing Google" https://www.vox.com/recode/21524710/google-antitrust-lawsuit-doj-search-trump-bill-barr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the final two weeks before November 3rd, Trump has been criticizing his own public health experts like Dr. Anthony Fauci. Meanwhile, Biden and Harris have been defending scientists and their role in public policy. Federal prosecutors charged six men for some of the biggest, most notorious hacks in recent years, including the 2018 Winter Olympics hack and a 2017 hack on Ukraine. The hackers are all members of the Russian military intelligence agency, the GRU, which was also linked to election interference in the 2016 election.  And in headlines: Carlos Mesa poised to win the Bolivian election, Trump will remove Sudan from a list of state sponsors of terrorism, and a 2,000 year old cat carving in Peru. Show Links: "The Untold Story of the 2018 Olympics Cyberattack, the Most Deceptive Hack in History" https://www.wired.com/story/untold-story-2018-olympics-destroyer-cyberattack/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the US, we’re now seeing uncontrolled spread of coronavirus as parts of the country get colder and people prepare to gather for the holidays. On Friday, the CEO of Pfizer said his company won’t apply for emergency vaccine authorization until late November at the earliest, which appears to be the nail in the coffin for any vaccine getting approval by election day.  After SCOTUS ruled that Trump could shut down the census count last Tuesday, the court agreed on Friday to review Trump’s plan to omit undocumented immigrants for the purposes of determining congressional seats. Civil rights groups are already suing the administration over the latter plan, which would further entrench systemic racism in how marginalized demographic groups are represented.  And in headlines: Bolivia voted yesterday in an election that could signal the future of socialism in the region, Colorado battles historic wildfires, and a probiotic, problematic yogurt shop in Colorado. Show Links: "What the Supreme Court’s rulings mean for the 2020 Census and Trump’s attempt to exclude the undocumented from the count" https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/social-issues/what-the-supreme-courts-rulings-mean-for-the-2020-census-and-trumps-attempt-to-exclude-the-undocumented-from-the-count/2020/10/17/5d299b98-0f71-11eb-8a35-237ef1eb2ef7_story.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new study shows eight million people have fallen into poverty since May, when the CARES Act money started running out, but lawmakers in Washington still can’t agree on a second relief bill. We review the current state of negotiations, and how the delay is affecting Americans in need.  Yesterday the Senate Judiciary Committee wrapped up their confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett, with no big surprises except a few frustrating moments where Democratic ranking member Dianne Feinstein went out of her way to signal approval for the process and for Lindsey Graham. And in headlines: Thailand declares a “state of extreme emergency” after protests, three people who were traveling with Biden and Harris test positive for COVID-19, and the BTS IPO. Plus Crooked's own Erin Ryan fills in for Akilah. Show Links: "Inside the Fall of the CDC" https://www.propublica.org/article/inside-the-fall-of-the-cdc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amy Coney Barrett appeared for her last day of Senate questioning yesterday and gave more evasive non-responses. Today is the final day of the hearings, and will feature witness testimony on Barrett’s nomination.  Brian Fallon is the executive director of Demand Justice, a group which pushes for progressive structural reforms and political hardball when it comes to the judiciary. We spoke to him about Barrett’s confirmation and what Democrats need to do differently to fix the courts.  And in headlines: 5.2 million people in the country won’t be able to vote because of felony convictions, Europe faces a second wave of Covid-19, and a major scandal in the Federal Duck Stamp Contest. Plus, Crooked's own Erin Ryan fills in for Akilah Hughes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yesterday was day two of Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation hearings, when members of the Senate Judiciary Committee got their first public chance to directly question the nominee. There were a lot of questions, but there weren’t many answers. Safety concerns led Johnson & Johnson to pause a large clinical trial of its COVID vaccine candidate and Eli Lilly to pause trials of their antibody drug. A new study found a person in Nevada was infected twice with COVID within a period of six weeks, which is the first confirmed case of reinfection in the US.  And in headlines: the Supreme Court rules to halt the census, Trump vs. Fauci, and a tourist in Peru waits 7 months to visit Machu Picchu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Senate hearings began yesterday to consider Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the Supreme Court. Democrats tried to keep the focus on the Affordable Care Act, while Republicans treated the day like they were writing a profile of Barrett for a conservative version of Marie Claire.  With three weeks left until November 3rd, we look at recent polling, what it says about swing voters, and the state of early voting across the country. And in headlines: the California GOP installs illegal ballot-drop boxes, Facebook announces it will ban Holocaust denial, and the epic battle between Microsoft and Trickbot. Show Links: https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Senate confirmation hearings begin today for Judge Amy Coney Barrett, Trump's Supreme Court nominee. The president is scheduled to return to the campaign trail today just over a week after being hospitalized with COVID-19, after his doctor released a memo saying he’s no longer contagious, but providing no other information.  Daily new cases of COVID-19 in the US are creeping above 50,000, which is the highest since August. Our guest host for today—epidemiologist and former Detroit health commissioner Dr. Abdul El-Sayed—answers our questions on what’s to come this winter, the long-term effects of COVID-19, and how to fight “vaccine hesitancy." And in headlines: Nigeria’s government disbands a controversial police unit, Pakistan bans TikTok, and Jaime Harrison’s record-breaking fundraising against Senator Lindsey Graham. Show Links: America Dissected, hosted by Abdul El-Sayed https://crooked.com/podcast-series/america-dissected/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thirteen men were charged yesterday in connection to an alleged violent plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. This is unsurprising when you consider Trump’s “LIBERATE MICHIGAN” tweets from earlier in the year that encouraged armed protestors to mount anti-government and anti-COVID restriction rallies.  The fate of next week’s debate is in question after an extended back-and-forth between the Trump and Biden campaigns, which concluded with Trump insisting that he should be allowed to debate in person next week, even though he could still be contagious. House speaker Nancy Pelosi will introduce legislation today to create a “Commission on Presidential Capacity” that would evaluate the president’s mental and physical health for office.  And in headlines: Hurricane Delta is set to be 2020’s tenth named hurricane to hit the US, incarcerated inmates can now apply for stimulus checks, and Google’s parent company introduces Waymo. Plus, Crooked's own Tommy Vietor fills in for Gideon. Show Links: CARES Act Relief for Incarcerated People (Deadline 10/30/2020) https://caresactprisoncase.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last night was the first and only vice presidential debate, with Senator Kamala Harris and VP Mike Pence facing off. Their conversation covered police killings of Black Americans, Trump’s response to the pandemic, Roe v. Wade, and more. We discuss a debate that was a lot more measured than the last one, but still very frustrating.  Trump went back to the Oval Office yesterday and released another long-winded video in which he said contacting COVID-19 was a “blessing from God” and described the antibody cocktail he received as a “cure.” Outside of DC, there are still over 40,000 new cases being identified daily, with the Dakotas and Wisconsin as particular hot spots. And in headlines: George Floyd killer Derek Chauvin is released on $1 million bail, a Greek neo-fascist political party is found guilty of running a criminal organization, and SNL pays their audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump said yesterday he won't negotiate with Democrats on another Covid relief before the election. He sent a torrent of other tweets too, all while more people in D.C. continued to test positive, including Trump's senior adviser Stephen Miller and General Mark Milley. Former South Carolina Democratic party chair Jaime Harrison is tied with Senator Lindsey Graham in a tight senate race according to recent polling. We talk to Harrison about his campaign, his vision for South Carolina, the Supreme Court, and more.  And in headlines: the FDA announced its guidelines for vaccines, 4 million people have already voted in the US, and Cole Haan debuts Slack shoes. Show Links: votesaveamerica.com/getmitch crooked.com/debate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump is now back in the White House after making a Trumpian and very public return, but doctors say he’s still not "out of the woods." Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany tested positive along with two deputies in the communications department, but the White House’s contact tracing effort seems to be negligible at best.  The Supreme Court began its new term yesterday by rejecting an appeals case from Kentucky clerk Kim Davis, who refused to give out same-sex marriage licenses due to religious objections. But Justices Alito and Thomas used the moment to voice their opposition to same-sex marriage as a constitutional right. We discuss what that means in light of Trump’s nomination of Amy Coney Barrett, and what other cases the court will hear in the next month.  And in headlines: police shoot a Black man in Texas who was trying to stop domestic violence, the EPA gives Oklahoma authority over environmental issues on tribal lands, and the rock gods rule in the case of Led Zeppelin vs. Spirit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amidst rosy reports about Trump's condition, we also learned that he received multiple drug treatments over the weekend including dexamethasone, which is typically reserved for patients with severe cases of coronavirus. We look at what his diagnosis, along with other positive cases among Senate Republicans, means for the country and the Supreme Court confirmation process. Following a negative test on Friday, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden tested negative again on Sunday. VP Pence and Senator Harris have also tested negative and are planning to move forward with their debate this Wednesday, though their podiums will be moved six feet further apart. Only three US states are reporting a decline in new Covid-19 cases compared to last week. Wisconsin is having a major outbreak, with new daily case numbers doubling in the past two weeks. And in headlines: Kentucky AG Daniel Cameron releases audio recordings from Breonna Taylor Grand Jury, continued fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and James Bond kills movie theater chain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a tweet overnight, President Trump said that he and the first lady had tested positive for the coronavirus. The news comes after a White House aid, Hope Hicks, tested positive. She had been traveling with the President in recent days, including to the debate on Tuesday. House Dems passed a new slimmed down relief package yesterday, but Republicans still say it’s too expensive. In the meantime, layoffs continue across industries and about half the jobs that were lost between February and April still haven’t returned.  The Senate officially subpoenaed the CEOs of Facebook, Google, and Twitter for a hearing on how they moderate content that’s posted on their platforms. As the election nears, Facebook says it is adding additional restrictions to political ads that will go into effect immediately, but critics stay it's still nowhere near enough. Special guest Yedoye Travis joins for the headlines: the DOJ’s task force on policing gets halted because it’s almost all policemen, skateboarding cranberry juice guy boosts Fleetwood Mac’s sales numbers, and closing the loop on a British zoo’s swearing birds. Show links: Comedian and writer Yedoye Travis https://twitter.com/yedoyeOT https://www.instagram.com/professordoye/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Congressman and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Espy is running for Senate in Mississippi, hoping to be the first Democrat to represent the state in the Senate in over thirty years. He’s nearly tied with his opponent, incumbent Republican Cindy Hyde Smith, who’s previously joked about “public hangings” and held up the legacy of Confederate soldiers. We talk to him about his race, Trump’s refusal to renounce White supremacists, the Supreme Court, and how the pandemic is impacting Mississippians. And in headlines: California establishes path to reparations for slavery, fires in Brazil’s tropical wetlands, and Trump’s White House gives the go-ahead to cruise ships. Show links: votesaveamerica.com/getmitch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first presidential debate took place in Cleveland last night. It was an extremely bumpy ride, with Trump failing to condemn white supremacy and suggesting once again he might not accept the election results. We discuss the highlights and lowlights of a night that was almost all lowlights.  And in headlines: Kentucky’s AG to release grand jury proceedings from Breonna Taylor’s case, the UK and Canada impose sanctions on Belarusian officials, and David Attenborough kills it on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tonight is the first of three debates between Democratic nominee Joe Biden and President Trump. The debate will cover six major topics, which include the economy, the pandemic, and the integrity of the election, but notably, not the environment. We discuss what else to expect and how this debate could affect the election.  Reports have revealed a strategy that the Trump campaigned allegedly used in 2016 to suppress Black voters by convincing them not to vote. The campaign sorted 3.5 million Black Americans into a category labelled “deterrence,” then targeted them with Facebook videos meant to cause cynicism and disaffection.  And in headlines: the global coronavirus death toll passes 1 million, Uber wins back its license to operate in London, and a small village in Romania re-elects their deceased mayor. Show Links: "Revealed: Trump campaign strategy to deter millions of Black Americans from voting in 2016" https://www.channel4.com/news/revealed-trump-campaign-strategy-to-deter-millions-of-black-americans-from-voting-in-2016 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The New York Times published a bombshell report on two decades of Trump’s taxes, showing he paid only $750 in federal income taxes in 2016 and in 2017. Trump received massive refunds after reporting losses on his businesses, one of which is currently being reviewed by the IRS, and could cost him $100 million if it’s found to be illegitimate.  On Saturday, Trump formally announced Judge Amy Coney Barrett as his nominee for the Supreme Court. We discuss her past positions on abortion, gun rights, and more to see how she might rule. And in headlines: Armenia and Azerbaijan declare martial law, Sri Lanka sends hazardous waste back to the UK, and astronauts prepare to vote from space. Show Links: "Trumps Taxes Show Chronic Losses And Years Of Tax Avoidance" https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/09/27/us/donald-trump-taxes.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While Trump is casually threatening to be an all out dictator, the economic crisis he continues not to solve continues. New unemployment data show the recovery is slowing down. We look at whether Congress is any closer to another relief package.  Next week Congress is expected to call in big tech CEOs for another big hearing, this time on Section 230 and the moderation of social media platforms. We explain. And in headlines: Breonna Taylor protests continue, Eric Trump ordered to testify, and protecting Joshua trees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yesterday, the grand jury in Jefferson County, Kentucky announced that only one of the officers who shot at Breonna Taylor would be indicted… and that officer’s charges don’t have anything to do with Taylor’s killing. Last night following the decision, two police officers were shot in downtown Louisville. We spoke to Kentucky state representative Charles Booker hours after the decision about what comes next. Booker has been organizing and protesting in the streets for months for Breonna Taylor and racial justice. And in headlines: lawyers for the family of Dijon Kizzee dispute LASD’s account of his shooting, four protestors from Kenosha sue Facebook, and Seattle’s city council overrides the Mayor to cut funding to the police. Show Links: Hood To The Holler: https://hoodtotheholler.org/ The Bail Project: https://bailproject.org/louisville/?form=donate Invest/Divest Louisville: https://www.investdivest.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

America has passed the grim milestone of 200,000 deaths in the COVID-19 crisis, which was made far worse by Trump’s abjectly poor leadership. The FDA is expected to roll out new, more rigorous standards for approving the coronavirus vaccines following concerns that Trump would try to push out an unsafe drug.  As the election approaches, there have been a deluge of legal cases seeking to address how people can vote during the pandemic. We discuss legal battles in four swing states: North Carolina, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.  And in headlines: a Black man in Wisconsin is suing police after being held at gunpoint in his own home, the Trump administration tries to re-impose UN sanctions on Iran against the UN’s will, and millions of dollars in mask fines for NFL coaches. Show links: "They're called 'naked ballots': Here's why they could play a pivotal role in the election" https://www.wtae.com/article/theyre-called-naked-ballots-heres-why-they-could-play-a-pivotal-role-in-the-election/34114663# Info & volunteer opportunities in Pennsylvania: https://votesaveamerica.com/state/pennsylvania/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arizona Senator Martha McSally said she will support a Senate vote when Trump nominates a Supreme Court Justice, but she might not have a chance to participate if she loses her race against Democrat Mark Kelly in November. Since McSally is an appointed Senator instead of an elected one, she could be replaced by Kelly within the year if she loses. We take a look at the race, and what else is at stake. A new report from the Congressional Budget Office forecasts more than a doubling of the national debt by 2050, largely due to COVID-19. In Europe, a second wave of coronavirus is hitting Spain, France, and the UK, and could be worse than the first. And in headlines: Louisville expected to announce grand jury decision in Breonna Taylor case this week, leaked financial documents reveal banks work with warlords and Paul Manafort, and Microsoft buys Bethesda. Show links:  votesaveamerica.com/verify votesaveamerica.com/everylastvote Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Supreme Court Justice and gender equality pioneer Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away at the age of 87 on Friday. The immediate response online and elsewhere was a mix of grief, fear, gratitude and determination. Within 24 hours of her passing, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and President Trump both said they would move forward to replace her, despite her dying wish as well as past precedent set in 2016. We talk to constitutional law professor Leah Litman about Ginsburg’s legacy and what’s next for the court.  And in headlines: Tiktok and WeChat live to die another day, the US passes 200,000 Covid-19 deaths, and why people are buying flights to nowhere. Show links: votesaveamerica.com/getmitch strictscrutinypodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two pharma companies released information about their vaccine trials, including details on their timelines and specific metrics they’ll be using to assess efficacy in early data. It’s all part of a push to gain public trust. We explain what to expect, and when.  While Congress is still stalled on another relief bill, Republicans in the Senate are busy confirming federal judges nominated by Trump. And in headlines: Bill Barr says all the wrong things, the USPS wanted to send us masks but was stopped, and Banksy loses out to a greeting card company. Show links: www.votesaveamerica.com/getmitch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Concerns about whether the Biden campaign is doing enough to speak to Latinx voters have grown in recent days following polling that suggests weakness among this group, particularly in Florida. Political consultant and former Bernie Sanders advisor Chuck Rocha joins to discuss. The director of the CDC says that a vaccine for Covid-19 might not be available until the summer or fall of 2021. He also said that wearing a mask could be more important in fighting the spread of the virus. Trump disagreed. And in headlines: Hurricane Sally drenches Alabama and Florida, Big Ten football is back on, and a former data-scientist for Facebook blows the whistle on Zuck. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The city of Louisville, Kentucky has come to a $12 million settlement deal with the family of Breonna Taylor, who was shot and killed by police officers in her apartment six months ago. The agreement also includes several police reforms. We explain. Over 5 million acres have now been burned across the West. We discuss the poor air quality caused by the smoke, how it's measured, and the effects it can have on our health. And in headlines: the key witness in an ongoing investigation of sexual assault by guards at an ICE detention center has been deported by ICE, Trump’s health spokesperson fearmongers on Facebook Live, and some updates on mail-in voting. Show Links: "Breonna Taylor's Life Was Changing, Then Police Came To Her Door" https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/30/us/breonna-taylor-police-killing.html?action=click&module=RelatedLinks&pgtype=Article Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Extreme weather continues in the US, with over 4.5 million acres burned across the West Coast and a Category 2 hurricane bearing down on the Gulf Coast. Scientists say two Antarctic glaciers are breaking off and could contribute to large-scale sea level rise, underscoring the need for aggressive environmental policy in the US and abroad.  Oracle is close to taking over TikTok’s US operations following scuttled negotiations between Microsoft and ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok. Oracle would be a “trusted tech partner,” meaning the deal isn’t a full-on sale—instead, Oracle would manage TikTok’s US data.  And in headlines: a whistleblower at a privately-run ICE detention camp in Georgia, comparing the pandemic’s economic consequences to the ’09 financial crisis, and scientists discover a perfectly-preserved cave bear in Serbia. Show Links... "The Trump Administration Is Reversing 100 Environmental Rules. Here’s the Full List." https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/climate/trump-environment-rollbacks.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wildfires raged on over the weekend in the West, with millions of acres burned, thousands displaced, and dozens of lives lost. Aside from fighting climate change, one of the most effective ways to manage these fires is regular controlled burns, which is something indigenous tribes were doing for centuries.  Two meat processing facilities were fined a measly total of $29,000 after government regulators at OSHA determined that the plants didn’t do enough to protect workers. OSHA has gotten almost 10,000 Covid-related workplace safety requests so far, and these are the only two companies that have been cited and fined.  And in headlines: controversies surrounding Disney’s “Mulan,” Israel imposes a second nation-wide lockdown, and Mike Bloomberg pledges to donate 100 million to Joe Biden’s Florida campaign. Show links: "They Know How To Prevent Forest Fires. Why Won't Anybody Listen?" https://www.propublica.org/article/they-know-how-to-prevent-megafires-why-wont-anybody-listen "To Manage Wildfire, California Looks To What Tribes Have Known All Along" https://www.npr.org/2020/08/24/899422710/to-manage-wildfire-california-looks-to-what-tribes-have-known-all-along Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Viral videos of police brutality against Black people have generated outrage, protest, and sustained national attention this year. We talk to Bijan Stephen, a reporter at The Verge, about his latest project called “Capturing The Police,” which examines the impact these videos have on the people who film them. Another 884,000 people filed for unemployment last week, which is more than economists were expecting. The Republicans failed to pass their “skinny” relief bill in the Senate, and it’s not clear whether another deal will be reached before the election. And in headlines: the NFL kicks off their season, Microsoft announces election hacks, and Mike Pence gets friendly with QAnon. Show Links: https://www.theverge.com/21355121/new-civil-rights-movement-police-brutality-protests-film-videos-black-lives-matter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Recorded interviews of Donald Trump by Bob Woodward show he understood the threat of coronavirus in February, while he insisted in public it would “disappear” and was no worse than the seasonal flu. Trump addressed these revelations at a press conference yesterday, confirming that he intentionally downplayed the virus because he’s a "cheerleader" for the country. Wildfires are continuing to burn across the West, leading to mandatory evacuations for tens of thousands of people, and a blanket of smoke covering much of the Bay Area. High temperatures resulting from climate change have set the perfect conditions for this year's unprecedented rapid scale and spread of fires.  And in headlines: the largest refugee camp in Europe was almost totally destroyed, Caster Semenya lost her appeal to compete in the next Olympics, and a whistleblower alleges that DHS downplayed the threat of white supremacy and Russian election interference. Links: Christian Cooper's comic book "It's A Bird" rb.gy/bdecsl Wildfire Relief Fund calfund.org/wildfire-relief-fund/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rochester, NY police chief and other high ranking officers all resigned or took demotions yesterday, following protests over the police killing of Daniel Prude. Prude’s case, along with other recent violent incidents, are leading some to propose alternatives to police intervention for mental health emergencies.  Republicans in the Senate are back in session with a new coronavirus relief bill, which is itself a pared down version a bill they proposed earlier this summer. For now, Democrats are rejecting it because they believe a larger, more comprehensive bill is necessary. While aid is held up in Congress, state and local governments are facing severe budget shortfalls.  And in headlines: two ex-soldiers from Myanmar’s army say they were ordered to commit atrocities against Rohingya villagers, the Trump administration is ordered to stop winding down the census, and nine drug companies say they won’t seek vaccine approval without doing rigorous testing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

College students have returned to campuses, and so has coronavirus. Northeastern University suspended 11 students for partying, and will not refund them tens of thousands of dollars in tuition payments. At University of Kansas, students are striking and demanding that the university shut down the campus and give hazard pay to workers.  Extreme weather over the past few weeks has underscored the need for an extensive environmental policy overhaul, the kind that is championed by Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey. We look at how Markey worked with the Sunrise Movement to court young people in his primary race last week. Plus, we speak with Sunrise’s political director Evan Weber about lessons that Biden and other Democrats can learn from their movement. And in headlines: protesters in Rochester demand justice for Daniel Prude, India now second in Covid cases, and Trump courts the racist White vote over the weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Biden will visit Kenosha, Wisconsin later today, where he’ll meet with the family of Jacob Blake. We check in on the continued protests happening there, plus the protests that are continuing in Lafayette, Louisiana, where Trayford Pellerin was killed by police just two days before Blake’s shooting. The Trump administration said it’s not going to take part in a global effort to develop a COVID-19 vaccine because the World Health Organization is leading it. The CDC recently told public health officials in 50 states and five major cities to prepare to distribute a vaccine as early as late October. And in headlines: protests in Belarus, survivors of the Tulsa Massacre seek reparations, and John Boyega reflects on Star Wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The CDC and the Health Department are moving to ban evictions through December for people who can’t pay because of the pandemic. New York City caved to pressure from teachers unions who threatened to strike over school reopenings, pushing back the start of in-person to later this month. Legal battles over mail-in voting saw major developments in Texas, Iowa, and Georgia. An audit from the Inspector General of the USPS looked at primary elections over the summer, and found that over a million mail ballots didn’t get to voters on time.  And in headlines: Sheriff’s deputies in LA fatally shoot Dijon Kizzee, Breonna Taylor’s ex-boyfriend was offered a plea deal if he implicated her in July, and Facebook and Google threaten to ground Australia from the news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Biden spoke in Pennsylvania yesterday, where he condemned violence of any kind at recent protests. Trump spoke at the White House yesterday, where he declined to tamp down violence among his supporters and suggested instead that Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17-year-old Wisconsin shooter, had acted in self-defense.  Coronavirus outbreaks are continuing to pop up at colleges and universities in the US as the fall semester starts. Bars have been ordered closed in Alabama and Iowa after hundreds of students tested positive, and other schools are weighing the decision of whether to send students home if there are cases on campus. For more on schools, check out this week's episode of Hysteria: Crooked.com/Hysteria And in headlines: New York City will pay $5.9 million to the family of Layleen Polanco, Lebanon has chosen its designated Prime Minister, and Trump and his allies “fix it in post.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One man is now dead after a weekend of violence in Portland, Oregon, in which pro-Trump demonstrators drove through the city’s downtown taunting Black Lives Matter protestors. Jay Bishop was a member of a group called Patriot Prayer, a far-right group with ties to white supremacists. Massachusetts holds its primaries on Tuesday. Alex Morse is a 31-year-old, Justice Democrats-supported mayor of Holyoke, whose campaign against the incumbent Representative was hit with a false, homophobic smear. And in headlines: Shinzo Abe steps down as Japan’s prime minister, Novak Djokovic starts an all-male tennis player’s union, and Bella Thorne says sorry for her OnlyFans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump closed out the RNC last night, with a meandering 70-minute long speech that saw him paint a rosy picture of his administration’s handling of COVID-19 and promise a vaccine before the end of the year. Trump also tried to suggest that Biden would usher in chaos, while tending to ignore or misrepresent the chaos that’s happening under his administration. Later today thousands of protestors are expected to gather in Washington, DC, bringing the energy of this year’s many racial justice protests to the nation’s capitol. Jacob Blake’s father is set to speak at the event, along with other family members of people who have experienced police brutality. And in headlines: early impact of Hurricane Laura, an update on coronavirus in Europe, and Bon Appétit hires Dawn Davis as its editor-in-chief. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Police arrested 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse yesterday for killing two protestors and injuring a third at demonstrations in Kenosha, Washington against police brutality. Professional athletes joined in calling for justice for Jacob Blake, with teams from the NBA, WNBA, MLB, and more going on strike. Biden and Trump are averaging a near tie at the moment in North Carolina, which is sort of the site of the RNC this week. North Carolina is also a state where Republicans have repeatedly practiced voter suppression, through voter ID laws and gerrymandering. We discuss the state’s role in the 2020 election.  And in headlines: Hurricane Laura makes landfall, the CDC gets USPS’d, and the MTA needs billions to keep running on time. Sign up for Vote Save America's weekend of action: votesaveamerica.com/adoptastate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last night’s Republican National Convention brought more speeches from Trump’s employees and family members, including First Lady Melania Trump, Tiffany Trump, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The topic of “school choice” has been referenced often during the RNC—that’s part of a major push from Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to privatize education.  In Portsmouth, Virginia, Vice Mayor Lisa Lucas-Burke has been charged with a misdemeanor for calling for the resignation of the city’s police chief. She’s not alone. We discuss how the legal system in Virginia and elsewhere is being used against activists and elected officials, who are mostly Black, to suppress political speech.  Mass Defense Fund: www.nlg.org/massdefenseprogram/  And in headlines: updates on Jacob Blake, California farmworkers face grueling work conditions made worse by extreme weather, and the Whitney Museum does fake activism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Protestors gathered for a second night in Kenosha, Wisconsin following the police shooting of 29-year-old Jacob Blake, who is reportedly still in intensive care. The three cops that participated in Blake’s shooting have been put on administrative leave, and a state investigation is ongoing.  Milwaukee Freedom Fund: https://bit.ly/mkefreedomfund The Republican Party officially renominated Trump and Pence on the first day of the RNC. The night’s offerings included speeches given live from the same podium in Washington, DC, Kimberly Guilfoyle projecting her voice, and a version of America where the pandemic is basically solved.  And in headlines: it’s been 15 years since Hurricane Katrina, Zoom problems on the first day of school, and Jerry Falwell Jr. resigns over a sex scandal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Republican National Convention begins tonight, predominantly featuring speakers who are Trump’s employees or blood relatives. This weekend, Trump announced that the FDA granted emergency use authorization to a blood plasma treatment for COVID-19… we discuss what that means.  Postmaster General Louis DeJoy testified to the Senate on Friday in his first appearance since the abrupt changes to USPS's operations. On Saturday, the House passed a bill that would give the postal service emergency funding. DeJoy is set to testify to the House today.  And in headlines: police shootings in Louisiana and Wisconsin, California wildfires continue with less prison labor than normal, and Tennessee’s governor makes some forms of protest a felony. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last night was the final night of the DNC, featuring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, former 2020 presidential candidates, and most notably, Joe Biden’s acceptance speech. In a stark contrast to his campaign thus far, Biden barely mentioned Trump by name, talking instead about the enormity of the situation America faces.  The state of Michigan announced a $600 million fund to compensate Flint residents who were harmed by lead-tainted drinking water. This fund comes after years of litigation and more than 18 months of negotiation.  And in headlines: 1.1 million people filed for unemployment this week, a former USPS Board of Governors member reveals how Louis DeJoy got his Louis DeJob, and boat-man Steve Bannon gets arrested. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last night was the third night of the Democratic National Convention, featuring marquee speeches from VP pick Senator Kamala Harris and former President Barack Obama. Overall, programming was more focused on issues, with segments on immigration, climate change, gun violence, and more.  New coronavirus antibody data from nearly a million and a half people in New York City showed an infection rate of 27 percent, ranging significantly depending on neighborhood. And in headlines: a Native American man faces federal execution despite tribal objections, Apple is worth 2 trillion, and Germany will introduce a dog-walking law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last night was the second night of the DNC, featuring beautiful shots of delegates across our gorgeous country, as well as speeches from AOC, activist Ady Barkan, and Dr. Jill Biden. We talk to Crooked’s own Jon Favreau about speech writing for the first digital DNC.  Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said yesterday that he would suspend cost-cutting changes at the USPS, but it’s unclear whether the postal service will reverse changes made this year that are leading to delays. House Democrats still plan to vote on legislation that would outlaw changes to the USPS and provide emergency funding.  And in headlines: the president of Mali announces his resignation, Uber and Lyft may suspend operations in California, and Trump pardons Susan B. Anthony. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This year’s socially-distanced DNC began last night, with speeches from former First Lady Michelle Obama, Senator Bernie Sanders, and more. Joe Biden went into the convention with a 7-9 point national lead against Trump, but the next few months are still full of unknowns. Watch the convention along with us every night this week at crooked.com/convention UNC Chapel Hill has decided to pivot to online-only instruction after 130 students test positive for Covid-19. Los Angeles' public schools start remote classes today, and are launching a large-scale testing system for students and staff.  And in headlines: Lebanon sees a Covid-19 surge after the explosion in Beirut, California experiences one of its worst heat waves on record, and the Trump administration finalizes plans to drill in the Arctic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The DNC was set to begin today in Wisconsin, but instead, it’s beginning in Zooms across America. We talked to Wisconsin Democrats Senator Tammy Baldwin and party chair Ben Wikler about the state’s recent electoral history and how Biden can win there this year.  The USPS warned that it may not be able to accommodate last minute mail-in ballots. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans to call the House back early to counter recent changes at the Postal Service, and is calling for Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to testify next Monday. And in headlines: more people are facing food insecurity, pro-Democracy protests in Thailand, and Apple angers gamers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This was the first week since March that the number of new unemployment claims in the US fell below one million. Tens of millions remain jobless and the start of Congress’s August recess means it’s unlikely we’ll see new relief legislation before September. Trump said the quiet part out loud yesterday, admitting that his refusal to provide emergency funding to the postal service would make universal vote-by-mail impossible. We discuss Republican efforts to make voting-by-mail more difficult in Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, and whether they’re succeeding. And in headlines: a peace deal between Israel and the UAE, Mike Bloomberg to speak at the DNC, and the two bubbles of “Jurassic Park: Dominion.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The last time we spoke with Monise Seward, a 6th grade special education teacher in Georgia, it was April and schools had just begun to tackle remote learning. It's now the new year, and her class remains completely online. We spoke to her about the challenges of the new normal and her thoughts on in-person classes. Senator Kamala Harris and VP Joe Biden made their first appearance as running mates yesterday. Harris has already begun laying out the case against Trump. And in headlines: anti-government protests in Bolivia, Ilhan Omar wins her primary, and Trump will not let up on showerheads. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Senator Kamala Harris was announced as Biden’s VP pick yesterday, which will make her the first black woman and first Asian American to be a on major party ticket. We discuss her record on the 2020 campaign trail, as an incisive presence in Senate hearings, and as California’s attorney general.  The Big 10 and the Pac 12 college conferences announced yesterday that they will postpone their fall sports seasons due to the pandemic. A group of student athletes have formed an informal union, and say they want to play this season: but only if schools institute universal health and safety standards.  And in headlines: Russia approves a Covid-19 vaccine, TSA seizes more guns than ever at security, and gaiters might not be good medical masks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Five states hold primaries today, including Minnesota, where Rep. Ilhan Omar is running to keep her seat in Congress. The elections come a week after another progressive, Cori Bush, won a major upset in her race against a longterm incumbent in Missouri. We speak to Bush about her path to politics and check in on Justice Democrats, the political group that backed Bush, Omar, and a handful of other progressive Democrats since 2017. Read our full interview with Cori Bush at crooked.com/articles/cori-bush-democratic-party/ Lebanon Prime Minister Hassan Diab announced his resignation yesterday, following mass protests after the chemical explosion in Beirut. Protests continue in the country with demonstrators demanding that other top leaders resign as well. Donate: ImpactLebanon.org And in headlines: protests in Chicago and Belarus, a big loss for Uber and Lyft, and Nikki Haley tries to cancel popcorn. To read more of Gideon's reporting on primary races, check out: https://crooked.com/articles/kentucky-underdog-booker/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump signed a bunch of executive orders and actions over the weekend that he presented as a fix to our economic problems. But the reality is much less transformative. We explain what his actions do (cut unemployment) and what they don't do (protect renters from eviction). ByteDance, the Chinese company behind TikTok, is planning to sue the Trump administration over its ban on US companies doing business with the app. The executive order against TikTok also bans US dealings with WeChat, another Chinese-owned app. And in headlines: a massive oil spill in Mauritius, protests in Beirut, and Amazon goes to the mall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New York’s Attorney General filed a lawsuit yesterday seeking to dissolve the National Rifle Association. AG Letitia James alleges that the NRA has engaged in years of corruption. In the absence of a federal testing strategy, seven governors have formed a purchasing agreement in attempts to get faster COVID antigen tests. In California, problems with the state’s data system may be creating inaccurate coronavirus data.  And in headlines: Minneapolis won’t vote to dismantle the police department, an exiled Saudi intelligence officer says MBS tried to kill him, and Nintendo reports a huge earnings boost. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Biden is no longer traveling to Milwaukee for the DNC, and neither are other primetime speakers like President Barack Obama. A sized-down RNC will be held in Charlotte, with Trump planning to deliver his speech from The White House.  Six of the seven largest school districts in the country will begin the school year entirely online, with New York City as the only holdout. One Yale student is suing his school for charging full tuition for an online education he considers inferior.  And in headlines: today is the 75th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima, more updates on the disaster in Beirut, and Facebook blows minds by inventing TikTok. Plus, Crooked's own Jon Lovett fills in for Akilah. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Minneapolis City Council voted to disband the Minneapolis Police Department over a month ago, but achieving that goal requires getting a ballot initiative in front of residents. We discuss that effort and more with Oluchi Omeoga, a co-creator of Black Visions Collective. And in headlines: a deadly explosion in Beirut, the census is ending early, and a whole lot of new Miami Marlins. Black Visions Collective: blackvisionsmn.org Reclaim The Block: reclaimtheblock.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The school year is officially beginning in some states and there have already been disruptions due to students and staff testing positive for Covid-19. A huge number of students will learn remotely for now, with only 6 of the nation’s 25 largest school districts saying they will do in-person teaching. Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, and Washington all have primaries today. We highlight some noteworthy races and ballot initiatives to watch out for.  And in headlines: several parts of the world face extreme weather, thousands of Germans protest Covid-19 restrictions, and some thought-provoking updates from the first cruises to set sail since the pandemic began. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Disruptions and delays to the postal service have prompted concern since so many people are planning to vote by mail this year. We break down what’s behind the delay, and how to ensure your vote is counted.  Congress still can’t agree on how to structure unemployment benefits in the next relief bill. Midwestern states like Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin are emerging as coronavirus hotspots.  And in headlines: NASA astronauts safely return to Earth aboard SpaceX’s shuttle, three hackers charged in July Twitter breach, and over 750 criminal cases are under review after LAPD officers are charged with falsifying documents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Biden campaign says they will announce his VP pick any day now. According to reports, over a dozen women are being vetted — some more seriously than others.  We talk to Crooked Media’s Alyssa Mastromonaco, who helped President Obama select Joe Biden, about what goes into the process in the final days and the importance of this decision.  To hear more from Alyssa, check out That’s The Ticket, her Pod Save America bonus series with Dan Pfeiffer on the VP selection process, as well as her weekly pod with Erin Ryan, Hysteria:  Crooked.com/Hysteria Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rent is due next week, but we still don’t have a new relief bill to extend federal unemployment assistance and eviction protections. Negotiations have stalled, with Senate Republicans, the White House, and Democrats far apart in negotiations.  Federal agents will withdraw from Portland after a deal was reached between Oregon’s governor and the Department of Homeland Security. When this will happen is unclear, but it’s clear that state troopers will replace them.  And in headlines: retail workers are left to enforce mask rules, Snapchat’s terrible diversity numbers, and Madonna’s bad IG post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The CEO’s of Facebook, Amazon, Apple, and Alphabet will testify before Congress today in hearings that will examine whether their companies hurt consumers and stifle competition. The Trump administration isn't getting rid of DACA (yet) but it is trying to restrict it. And the country’s second largest teachers union says they’ll support their members if they want to strike rather than go back to schools that are unsafe.  And in headlines: China suspends their extradition treaty with three countries, Trump’s supporters don’t want to vote by mail and that could be bad if he wants their votes, and a man in Florida goes on PPP spending spree. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pharmaceutical company Moderna entered phase three trials of its Covid-19 vaccine, and plans to test the efficacy of their drug on 30,000 healthy participants. The director of the NIH said they plan to reach out to communities that have been hardest hit by the virus to form that sample group.  Major League Baseball has already announced that it’s postponing two games after players and coaches tested positive for Covid-19. Vietnam moved to evacuate 80,000 tourists from one city after a man there tested positive for the virus.  And in headlines: Kyrie Irving commits to cover salaries of WNBA athletes, Chainsmokers wreak havoc in the Hamptons, and Melania Trump’s goth rose garden. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida has now passed New York in total known coronavirus cases, making it the second worst-hit state behind California which is nearly twice its size. In Europe, the UK is imposing a two week quarantine on anyone who’s been in Spain after an uptick in virus spread there.  Republicans are set to propose their bill for the next round of coronavirus relief today. As federal unemployment benefits expire, we examine how we got to $600 per week in federal aid, and why Republicans want to reduce that going forward. And in headlines: the 30th anniversary of the ADA, a reduced-capacity Hajj, and more info on a government UFO program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The federal eviction moratorium from the CARES Act expires today, leaving up to 12 million people vulnerable to eviction if they can’t pay rent. Trump cancelled the Jacksonville portion of the RNC, after he moved the event there from North Carolina.  The Justice Department’s Inspector General and the Department of Homeland Security will investigate federal law enforcement actions in Portland. This comes days after Portland’s mayor was tear gassed by federal agents along with protestors in the city.  And in headlines: Trump repeals and replaces the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule, Michael Cohen will be released from prison again, and virtual Matrix baseball fans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NBA games start next week with just 22 qualifying teams finishing off the season that the pandemic put on hold back in March. We interview Tania Ganguli, who covers the Lakers for the LA Times and is reporting live from the Disney World basketball “bubble” where games will be held. The world passed 15 million coronavirus cases yesterday, with the US accounting for a quarter of that total.  And in headlines: Trump announced he’ll be sending more federal officers to Chicago and Albuquerque, the US Army backs away from its twitch channel, and 7,000 QAnon devotees get kicked off Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump signed a memo yesterday that aims to omit undocumented immigrants from the census count. It seems like a way for Trump to side-step a Supreme Court ruling that removed citizenship questions from the census, and it's unclear how or if he'd even be able to do it.  Protests in Portland have only increased in response to the presence of federal agents. Democrats in the House are working to take powers away from these so-called “rapid deployment teams." And in headlines: a Michigan judge denies the early release of a student jailed for not doing her homework, Joe Biden’s plan for caregiving, and big-city corruption from Ohio state Speaker Larry Householder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump says he’s bringing back coronavirus briefings starting today. The largest teachers union in Florida is suing Governor Ron DeSantis for using an emergency order to compel public schools to fully reopen next month.  Americans enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program at record high rates early on in the pandemic. Food stamps were set to be gutted by the Trump administration in March, but the pandemic led Congress to expand benefits temporarily.  And in headlines: State Senator Nikema Williams will replace late Rep. John Lewis on the ballot in Georgia, more delays for Chris Nolan’s “Tenet,” and the latest moon hex updates from WitchTok. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Civil rights activists Rep. John Lewis and Minister CT Vivian passed away on Friday. Democrats in Congress are urging lawmakers to honor Lewis by passing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of 2020, which would restore voter protections struck down by the Supreme Court in 2013.  Federal agents in camouflage are patrolling streets in Portland, Oregon,using tear gas and other violent means to control protestors. The agents reportedly came as a result of Trump’s order to have federal agencies protect federal property, statues, and monuments.  And in headlines: a study found that older children spread Covid-19 at the same rate adults do, more info about the massive July 16 Twitter hack, and Minnesota police use drones to catch sunbathers. To read more about the Strike for Black Lives: j20strikeforblacklives.org To follow events out of Portland: oregonlive.com and opb.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The US, Canada, and Britain are alleging that Russian cyberspies are trying to steal coronavirus vaccine research. In more upbeat pharma news, the biotech company Moderna is making progress with its vaccine, which will soon undergo Phase 3 testing.  Last week was the 17th week in a row that new unemployment claims have exceeded 1 million countrywide. A new study showed that high unemployment has resulted in over 5 million people losing their insurance coverage between February and May.  And in headlines: a culture of sexual harassment at Washington’s NFL team, the Supreme Court will allow Florida to enforce a poll tax, and Trump switches up his campaign manager. Donate to Florida Rights Restoration Coalition: FloridaRRC.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All 5,300 plus Walmarts and Sam’s Clubs nationwide will begin requiring shoppers to wear masks next week. On the state level, half of the governors in the US have now instituted at least some kind of mask requirement in public settings.  New safety recommendations from the National Academies of Science, Engineering,and Medicine say schools should prioritize younger children and children with special needs where it is safe and possible. But the committee offered no guidance on what level of infection makes in-person learning unsafe.  And in headlines: verified Tweeters get hacked, RBG out of the hospital, and an update on Goya’s Beangate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We talk to The Atlantic’s Ed Yong about how public health workers and officials are fighting the pandemic, and what we're now learning about the potential long-lasting effects of Covid-19. The Trump administration is now asking hospitals to send data on Covid-19 patients directly to them and not the CDC.  And in headlines: Joe Biden announces new climate change proposal, Trump administration backs off plan to revoke some visas from international students, and Jair Bolsonaro gets pecked by rhea. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

California is re-closing many of its businesses as cases continue to rise. LA County and San Diego County schools have agreed to cancel in-person learning this fall in favor of going back online.  White House advisors to the president have been criticizing NIAID director Dr. Anthony Fauci in recent days. It definitely seems like retaliation for Fauci’s refusal to back down in the face of Trump’s bad pandemic policies.  And in headlines: a judge orders federal executions delayed, AMC finds a way to stay solvent, and Australians caught KFC-handed in Melbourne. Check out America Dissected to hear Dr. Abdul El-Sayed's complete interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci: crooked.com/americadissected Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arizona’s governor pushed back the start of the school year from early-August to mid-August since his state has the worst Covid-19 numbers in the nation. Teachers unions don’t think that a two-week delay is enough to keep students, staff, and faculty safe.  The Biden-Sanders joint task force put out policy recommendations last week, and left-leaning members seem happy with the direction things are moving. The next step is getting these recommendations into the official Democratic party platform next month.  And in headlines: Dov Charney’s Los Angeles Apparel factory sees deadly coronavirus breakout, a new way to calculate dog years, and Tucker Carlson’s racist writer resigns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yesterday the Supreme Court ruled that much of eastern Oklahoma is Native American tribal land, and that the state of New York has the power to subpoena Trump’s financial records.  The WHO has revised some past positions on coronavirus spread, and is now saying unequivocally that asymptomatic spread is possible, and coronavirus can linger and infect people in the air. And in headlines: Thailand could legalize same-sex civil partnerships, “The Bold and the Beautiful” hires husbands to kiss their wives, and a pro-QAnon congressional candidate’s suspect business history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the summer weeks go by, and the virus rages on, the big question remains: How to go back to school in the fall. Trump caused a minor crisis by criticizing the CDC’s recommendations on school reopenings and threatening to cut federal funding for schools that don’t reopen in person.  The Supreme Court announced a ruling yesterday that will exempt businesses from covering birth control for employees if they have religious or moral objections. More SCOTUS decisions will come through later today.  And in headlines: the Justice Department is moving forward with plan so to resume federal executions, Japanese theme parks ask riders not to scream, and some updates on the senior citizen Bachelor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump administration officially started the process of withdrawing from the World Health Organization. “Operation Warp Speed,” the government’s program to fast-track Covid-19 vaccine development, signed its largest deal so far, allocating $1.6 billion to the pharmaceutical company Novavax. Plus, an update on testing issues in hotspots across the country. Brazilian President and prominent virus skeptic Jair Bolsanaro has Covid-19. In Israel, the health minister stepped down because officials weren’t heeding her advice.  And in headlines: the Movement For Black Lives proposes legislation to transform the criminal justice system, Russia and China discourage marmot hunting, and Mike Pompeo wants the teens to get off TikTok. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Emergency unemployment benefits included in the CARES Act are set to expire at the end of the month. With that deadline looming, and the health crisis raging, we look at what the next potential aid package might include. Some colleges and universities have announced their back-to-Zoom plans for classes in the fall. The faculty at Georgia Tech are currently pushing back against a plan to resume in-person classes, while Harvard will make all classes remote while charging full-price for tuition, and hosting some freshmen on campus. And in headlines: the Dakota Access Pipeline must be shut down during review, Uber eats Postmates, and Amy Cooper could be charged in New York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scientists worldwide want the World Health Organization to take a stronger stance on airborne transmission of COVID-19. In the US, records were set last week for the highest number of daily cases, with hotspots that led some governors to halt re-openings or begin re-closings.  Trump gave some hall-of-fame dumb speeches this week, stoking division by focusing on “cancel culture”, then adding to the confusion around coronavirus by downplaying the disease’s severity.  And in headlines: new opinions to come from SCOTUS, sports teams consider name changes, and some fish eggs that don’t give a duck. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New antibody data from the CDC indicates that only 1 in 10 COVID-19 cases in the country have been identified. That still means more than 90 percent of the country hasn’t had the virus. Incidences of police brutality continue to be reported around the country. Three officers resigned and the police chief offered his resignation in Tucson, where Carlos Ingram-Lopez died in police custody. In New York, an NYPD officer was charged with using an illegal chokehold. And in headlines: the Supreme Court says asylum seekers can’t challenge their deportations in court, the Democratic Republic of the Congo ends its Ebola outbreak, and The Dixie Chicks reinvent themselves.  We’re taking a weeklong summer hiatus! We’ll be back on Monday, July 6th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Democrats in the Senate blocked a Republican police reform bill yesterday, and Democrats in the House are expected to bring their police reform bill to the floor today. In Colorado, millions are calling for a new investigation into the death of Elijah McClain, who was killed in police custody last year.  The country hit its single-day high in new confirmed coronavirus cases yesterday. A new trend is emerging of local jurisdictions making their own calls in the absence of state and federal leadership.  And in headlines: early results from Tuesday’s primaries, GNC goes bankrupt, and Roundup pays out 10 billion to settle cancer suits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An estimated 25,000 cases of COVID-19 are tied to U.S. meatpacking plants, where employees work in close quarters and enclosed spaces. We speak with a Smithfield Foods employee out of South Dakota about what it's been like at her facility.  Dr. Fauci says the US is experiencing a “disturbing surge” of infections after states reopened too quickly. But he’s cautiously optimistic about a vaccine, suggesting that one could be available as soon as the end of this year.  And in headlines: federal prosecutors will testify against Bill Barr, Seattle’s CHAZ to be dismantled, and celebrities continue to say sorry for doing blackface. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump signed a new executive order yesterday temporarily barring new foreign workers from coming to the US until the end of the year. The tech industry has warned that this order hinders their ability to recruit top talent.  In Minneapolis, a city council pledge to dismantle the police department could be harder to implement than expected. And one county jail is facing criticism for allegedly blocking non-white correctional officers from guarding former police officer Derek Chauvin.  And in headlines: CARES Act stimulus checks prevented poverty, four authors quit JK Rowling’s agency, and the FDA advises against nine brands of hand sanitizer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New York, Virginia, and Kentucky have primaries on Tuesday. We speak with two progressive candidates for congress: Jamaal Bowman, who’s running against incumbent Rep. Eliot Engel for New York’s 16th congressional district, and Charles Booker, who’s running against Amy McGrath, for senate in Kentucky. COVID-19 is still happening in the US, whether government officials recognize it or not. New daily cases have hit record highs in 12 states, with about 30,000 new daily cases countrywide.  And in headlines: an 18-year-old security guard is killed by police in Los Angeles, Bill Barr tries to fire someone quietly and fails, and a new name for Columbus, Ohio. Head to crooked.com/podcast/to-the-left-to-the-left/ to read a transcript of our full interview with Jamaal Bowman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Supreme Court ruled that Trump can’ t immediately end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA, because his administration’s reasons for ending it are not sufficient. We explain what comes next.  Today is Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. We discuss the day’s significance and why this year’s Juneteenth feels different than others.  And in headlines: Seattle’s largest labor group votes to expel the police union, California’s mask law, and a high-tech new ring for the NBA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COVID-19 cases have plateaued in the US at around 20,000 a day as some states are seeing outbreaks grow. That hasn’t stopped Texas governor Greg Abbot from enforcing his executive order that bans cities from making face coverings mandatory.  The police officer who killed Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta, Georgia is now facing 11 charges including felony murder.  Contact tracers are working around the country to cut off chains of coronavirus transmission. We interview one of them, Alexander Miamen, about what a typical day is like for him and how he speaks to his community’s needs.  And in headlines: a price-fixing tuna CEO is going to prison, genetically modified mosquitos in Florida, and why you don’t need to buy John Bolton’s book. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump signed a fairly inconsequential executive order yesterday that is supposed to incentivize police departments to adopt reforms. Across the country, local officials are continuing to respond to protests against police brutality and systemic racism—some making more impactful moves than others.  We interview Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley about federal legislation on policing, and why ending qualified immunity is a central goal. And in headlines: violent clashes along China and India’s border, the Black Lives Matter Foundation versus Black Lives Matter, and an aggressive cyberstalking campaign from eBay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yesterday the Supreme Court ruled that the Civil Rights Act protects LGBTQ+ employees from workplace discrimination in a 6-3 ruling. This is the first major case involving transgender rights, and it comes from a decidedly conservative court. We get into what it means, and how we got here. Plus, the latest on coronavirus, where cases are on the rise and how states and business are reacting. And in headlines: BLM protestor Oluwatoyin Salau found dead in Florida, hummingbirds see secret colors, and Christopher Nolan’s ‘Tenet’ delayed at movie theaters.  Akilah & Gideon’s book recommendations:  Obviously: Stories From My Timeline by Akilah Hughes Wow, No Thank You by Samantha Irby Go Tell It On The Mountain by James Baldwin Patsy by Nicole Dennis-benn Where to buy:  The Lit Bar: thelitbar.com Black-owned independent bookstores: lithub.com/you-can-order-today-from-these-black-owned-independent-bookstores/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rayshard Brooks was shot and killed by a white officer in Atlanta this weekend, in another horrific instance of police violence. Atlanta’s police chief subsequently announced she would step down and the officer who shot Brooks was fired.  Tens of thousands of people protested violence against Black trans people this weekend in cities across America. These protests came just as the Trump administration moved to revoke discrimination protections for trans people in health care and health insurance.  And in headlines: an update on COVID-19 in the US and around the world, African nations call on the UN to address racism and police brutality, and FKA Lady Antebellum just can’t get it right. Follow and donate to groups working to protect black trans people: The Okra Project pays Black trans chefs to go into the homes of Black trans people to cook them a healthy and home-cooked meal: theokraproject.com Black and Pink is an LGBTQ prison abolitionist organization working to support LGBTQ and HIV positive prisoners: blackandpink.org The Marsha P. Johnson Institute protects and defends the human rights of Black trans people through organizing and advocacy: marshap.org Find more: actblue.com/donate/black_led_lgbtq Support our sponsors: 60 in 6 available on Quibi: link.quibi.com/60in6 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Police in Seattle abandoned their East Precinct building and ceded about six blocks of the city to protestors, who have now set up the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone or CHAZ. Some conservatives are comparing that area to “Lord of the Flies,” while those on the ground say it’s more like orientation week at Evergreen State College. Another 1.5 million workers filed for unemployment last week. Trump plans to hold rallies again starting next Friday, building up to a packed RNC speech that’s now officially set for Jacksonville. And in headlines: a giant fuel spill in Siberia, a new police unit in Hong Kong, and Twitter wants you to read. Plus, Erin Ryan fills in for Akilah Hughes. Listen to her podcast! http://apple.co/hysteria Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More than a third of states are seeing increases in Covid-19 cases in the last week. It’s hard to draw conclusions about what’s behind that trend—among states that reopened early, some are seeing cases plateau, while others are seeing cases ramp up.  Plus, journalist and lawyer Josie Duffy Rice fills in for Akilah Hughes. We discuss the culture of policing in this country and how shifting money from law enforcement to social services could cut down on the need for law enforcement. And in headlines: Amazon won’t let police use its facial recognition for one year, racist statues and monuments keep coming down nationwide, and the pandemic’s effects on king coffee chain Starbucks. Check out Josie's work at The Appeal: theappeal.org Listen to Josie's podcast: theappeal.org/topics/justice-in-america/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Georgia held its primary yesterday, and in a state where officials have been accused of voter suppression, the elections were rife with issues. Polling stations saw hours-long lines that invariably led some voters to give up.  Raquel Willis, writer and trans activist, fills in for Akilah Hughes. We discuss how we can better support black queer and trans leadership in this moment. And in headlines: Brazil’s Supreme Court orders Bolsonaro to stop hoarding COVID data, an art dealer’s buried treasure, and the legal battle for a radio in the Titanic. Find more of Raquel's work: raquelwillis.com Support these Black-led LGBTQ+ organizations: actblue.com/donate/black_led_lgbtq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Democrats in Congress introduced the Justice In Policing Act yesterday, which includes a ban on chokeholds, a ban on no-knock warrants, and makes it easier to prosecute police officers. Plus, what New York's legislature is doing to reform policing in their state. Guest-host Dylan Marron fills in for Akilah Hughes. He shares lessons from his podcast “Conversations With People Who Hate Me," on how to have important discussions with people who disagree with you. And in headlines: Governor Andy Beshear to provide free health insurance for black Kentuckians, Chuck E. Cheese could file for bankruptcy, and Chris Cuomo shows ass on IG. Check out Dylan's podcast: dylanmarron.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Minneapolis City Council members have said they intend to disband the Minneapolis Police Department and replace it with a community-based public safety model. On the federal level, Democrats will introduce reform legislation today that, among other things, will change the standard for use of force. We interview Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who recently took the lead in the prosecuting cases related to George Floyd’s killing by police. We ask him why it's so difficult to prosecute officers, and what he makes of moves to disband police departments. And in headlines: India experiences its highest day of cases, unemployment numbers are better but still terrible, and former VP Joe Biden has enough delegates to win the nomination. Plus, Erin Ryan fills in for Akilah Hughes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump’s former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis published a scathing indictment of his presidency, and he’s been backed up by Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski. Lawmakers in the Congressional Black Caucus are preparing a piece of police legislation that will aim to end racial profiling and qualified immunity. We speak with Dr. Keisha Blain, a professor of African American History at University of Pittsburgh, about how what’s happening now is an extension of the work civil rights leaders began long ago. And in headlines: Trump signs executive order to weaken environmental protections, Zoom makes users pay for end-to-end encryption, and loud blonde man Jake Paul charged with looting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has upgraded charges against George Floyd’s killer Derek Chauvin by adding a charge of second-degree felony murder. The three officers on the scene who did nothing to protect Floyd have also been charged, with offenses that include aiding and abetting second-degree murder.  One full week of protests has produced immediate changes nationwide. Confederate statues and other relics to racism have come down in several states. And city council members in Minneapolis are calling to disband the city's police department. And in headlines: the NBA readies plans to resume its season, Defense Secretary Mark Esper opposes then supports using soldiers as police, and Elle Jones becomes the first black woman to be elected mayor of Ferguson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump’s threat to deploy military to states to help squash unrest would require him to use the Insurrection Act of 1807. We discuss that law’s history and whether Trump would need support from governors to invoke it.  Former VP Joe Biden spoke on Monday, discussing inequality, racial injustice, and calling for unity. Biden is now proposing federal legislation to reform police, and has committed to addressing institutional racism if elected.  And in headlines: Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg doubles down on allowing Trump’s terrible posts, Australia’s PM calls for an investigation into US police violence towards reporters, and Fuller House explains a distinct lack of Aunt Becky. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Protests against racial violence continued in well over 100 cities, leading local officials to continue to take drastic measures like curfews and calling up the National Guard. Police in Washington, DC charged a group of peaceful protestors so that Trump could take a bad photo in front of a church.  The organization Campaign Zero gathers data on policies aimed at ending police violence. We discuss the policy changes they’ve found to be successful and unsuccessful.  And in headlines: the United States sends a dubious COVID-19 drug to Brazil, seven states hold their primaries today, and Trump brings big bridezilla energy to planning the RNC. Gideon & Akilah's recommendations: Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor twitter.com/KeeangaYamahtta Ethel's Club instagram.com/ethelsclub Rachel Cargle instagram.com/rachel.cargle Watchman (HBO) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Protests in response to the police killing of George Floyd continued throughout the weekend. There were demonstrations in over 75 American cities, leading local officials to activate the National Guard in at least 11 states, and impose curfews. At one point, Trump hid underground.  Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for his role in George Floyd's killing, but three other officers who stood by have not been charged.  And in headlines: Trump says the US will stop working with the WHO, the CDC releases guidelines for how to reopen offices, and Chrissy Teigen demonstrates the ‘spite donation.’ Where to Donate: Minnesota Freedom Fund: minnesotafreedomfund.org/donate Brooklyn Bail Fund: brooklynbailfund.org/donate Reclaim the block: reclaimtheblock.org Black Visions Collective: blackvisionsmn.org Mass Defense Program: nlg.org/donate/massdefense Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump signed an executive order aimed at social media companies yesterday. We explain what's behind it and why legal experts don't think it's going anywhere. Varshini Prakash is the co-founder and executive director of Sunrise Movement. She's also an advocate for the Green New Deal who’s been appointed to Joe Biden’s climate change task force. We speak with her about what she’s pushing for with Biden.  And in headlines: the Justice Department announced that investigating the death of George Floyd is a "top priority," NASA wants Tom Cruise in space, and Cyprus invites the world to visit for a “corona-cation.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The planned site of the Republican National Convention this August is North Carolina, one of the states where coronavirus case numbers are currently on the rise. Governor Roy Cooper’s understandable concerns about this event going forward have led to a low-tier scramble, with Georgia and Florida offering to host.  Also in Florida… key American innovation Walt Disney World has announced reopening plans for July. And the NBA might finally be making its 2019-2020 season return nearby. And in headlines: Mike Pompeo declares that Hong Kong is no longer autonomous from China, Jennifer Carrol Foy seeks to be America’s first black woman governor, and Facebook knew it’s platform turned people into maniacs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

George Floyd was killed by police officers in Minneapolis this week, in an abusive and excessive show of force. We discuss his murder and the incident in Central Park this Monday where a white woman threatened Christian Cooper, a black man, distorting the facts in an apparent attempt to evoke an aggressive law enforcement response. Click here for anti-racism resources and organizations to follow. This election will be unlike any other and will require a specialized approach from organizers and activists. We talk to Crooked’s political director Shaniqua McClendon about the Adopt-A-State program, and how we can help get out the vote in key battleground states from the comfort of our homes. Head to votesaveamerica.com/adopt to find out more. And in headlines: Twitter fact checks Trump, SpaceX to launch its first crewed-shuttle today, and St. Louis asks people to self-quarantine if they partied in the Ozarks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The US has imposed a ban on flights from Brazil because of a dangerous surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths. This comes after Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro repeatedly dismissed the severity of the pandemic and mocked social distancing efforts... even as the country became a global hotspot for coronavirus.  A federal judge in Florida has ruled against a state law that required people convicted of felonies to pay off all their court fines and fees before they were eligible to vote. That law was pushed last year by Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis. Judges said it is akin to a poll tax and therefore unconstitutional.  And in headlines: the FBI is investigating two district attorneys involved in the case of Ahmaud Arbery, Tyler Perry’s ‘Camp Quarantine,’ and an old and oft-slandered gator passes away in Moscow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

China’s leaders are poised to impose a controversial new national security law in Hong Kong. The law would reportedly ban secession, subversion of state power, foreign interference, and terrorism. All that will essentially put Hong Kong more under China’s control and political system. Facebook has followed Twitter’s lead and will move to allow employees to work more from home, even after the pandemic. Two Ford factories had grand re-openings and grand re-closings this week. Both factories saw employees test positive for COVID-19 after returning to work and had to shut down. And we’re joined by comedian, writer, and actor Janelle James for headlines: New Zealand’s PM endorses a 4-day work week, Kendall Jenner pays for Fyre Fest post, and Aunt Becky pleads guilty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The CDC has quietly posted a report with detailed suggestions about how to reopen. We dig into it and how the states might or might not use it. More than 900 children have been deported since March under a new pandemic border policy. Before, children had the opportunity to speak with a social worker or make a plea for asylum. Now, they can deported within hours of arrival in the US.  And in headlines: an Ohio county declares racism a public health issue, a QAnon believer scores a Senate nomination in Oregon, and two men are arrested for helping Nissan's ex-CEO escape Japan in a box. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Contact tracing apps have been adopted in countries around the world to track the spread of COVID-19, but they’re not being used as much in the US. American tech companies are working to get these apps up-and-running… despite some privacy concerns. Cybersecurity reporter Patrick Howell O'Neill joins the show to update us on how these apps are working worldwide. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Fed Chair Jerome Powell took questions from the Senate yesterday on how we’ll get out of the current economic crisis. They offered up starkly different opinions on how the US can avoid permanent economic damage.  And in headlines: major corporations cut ‘hazard pay’ for essential workers, Qatar Airlines takes a pumped-up approach to PPE, and the data scientist who made Florida’s COVID-19 dashboard gets axed for refusing to fudge data. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will testify this morning about the economic crisis and response. We preview the hearing. A biotech company called Moderna reported preliminary results from a phase one trial of their coronavirus vaccine. So far, the results are positive—but the vaccine still has a lot more testing to go. Plus, California starts its program to give out economic relief to people who are undocumented. And in headlines: embattled politicians scuffle inside Hong Kong’s legislature, Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” hates breath, and South Korean pro soccer team gets cheered on by sex dolls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Democrats in Congress are launching an inquiry into Trump’s firing of an inspector general at the State Department. It comes after three other inspector generals were also removed from their positions earlier this year. GrubHub is doing great business during the pandemic as more people rely on delivery. But a recent Buzzfeed report shows that the company is also making money from transactions they’re not involved in—and it’s making it harder for restaurants to stay afloat. And in headlines: Justin Amash won’t run for prez, NYC experiences pandemic fatigue, and Puerto Rico’s governor will hold a vote on whether the territory should try for statehood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today the House is set to vote on a $3 trillion coronavirus relief package that Senate Republicans say is dead on arrival. They’ll also vote on rules to allow for remote voting—which means we could be seeing a lot more technology barriers and funny Zoom mishaps in the near future. Late Wednesday night, FBI agents showed up to the house of Senator Richard Burr, served him a search warrant and took his cell phone. That’s in relation his sketchy sale of a ton of stock right before the market collapsed as a result of the pandemic.  And writer and comedian Bridger Winegar joins us for headlines: McDonald’s sends US franchises a 59-page guide to reopening their dining rooms, South America’s soccer league issues temporary ban on kissing, and Ikea France snoops on customers and staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former vaccine chief Dr. Rick Bright will testify before a house subcommittee today—he’s the guy who says he was removed from his job because he didn’t want to push for widespread use of unproven anti-malaria drugs as a treatment for coronavirus. Bright’s pre-released statement said we’ll be in trouble if we keep following Trump off a cliff.  In their latest show of unity, Former VP Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders announced the members of their joint policy task forces. Names include: Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep Pramila Jayapal, and Former Secretary of State John Kerry.  And in headlines: local governments in Brazil are issuing mandatory lockdowns since their president won’t, Flynn’s “unmasking” was normal, and glittery worms of the deep blue sea. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Top U.S. health officials took questions from the Senate Health Committee yesterday on coronavirus. The partially teleconferenced testimonies featured weird background filters, quarantine beards, and one notable poster for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The main takeaway was that the U.S. is far from "out of the woods" in the fight against COVID-19.  House Democrats put out a draft of their new economic relief bill. It’s a 3 trillion dollar package that includes money for states, another round of $1,200 checks for some households, hazard pay for essential workers, and more. Republicans rejected it without even seeing it. And in headlines: investigating the killing of 26-year-old Breonna Taylor in Kentucky, Twitter to let staff work from home forever, and one Australian soap opera resumes production sans kissing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The governor of South Dakota threatened to sue two Sioux tribes over road checkpoints they have set up to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to their reservations. Members of the tribe say that establishing checkpoints is a matter-of-life and death. South Dakota’s governor, who never issued a stay-at-home order for her state, says the checkpoints are illegal and causing traffic.  The Supreme Court will hear arguments in three cases regarding Trump’s financial records today. These cases will help determine the limits of Trump’s power to ignore subpoenas from Congress and state prosecutors. And in headlines: Georgia’s AG appoints a new prosecutor to oversee the case of Ahmaud Arbery, Poland holds a “ghost election,” and Shanghai Disneyland re-opens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Top US health officials are self-isolating and quarantining after a couple White House employees tested positive for coronavirus. Plus, new data reveal a racial bias in enforcement of stay-at-home orders in the US. South Korea has been held up as a model for fighting coronavirus to the rest of the world. Last week, they were faced with a new breakout in Seoul. Now, bars and clubs have been closed to stem the spread in that city. Following arrests in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, calls are growing for an investigation into the handling of the case and local law enforcement. And in headlines: the Justice Department drops its case against Michael Flynn, Tekashi 6ix9ine goes live to 2 million people, and one salon owner’s grift-y GoFundMe in Texas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The vaccine race is on, with several companies, governments, and academic labs working on lots of different potential options at once. We dig into the radical ideas to speed things along. Protestors and activist groups in Georgia are calling for the resignation of the district attorney who chose not to arrest the killers of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery, who was shot while jogging unarmed in that state. A look at the activists and leaders who are speaking out. And in headlines: Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos makes things more difficult for college sexual assault victims, Facebook unveils 20 members of its content Supreme Court, and one brave Belgian llama stands up to Covid-19. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vice President Mike Pence says the federal coronavirus task force could be disbanded within a month because of “the tremendous progress we’ve made as a country.” We discuss what that could possibly mean.  Wisconsin's Republican-controlled legislature is suing over the state's stay-at-home order, in a case that’s currently being heard by Wisconsin's conservative Supreme Court. We talk to Justice-elect Jill Karofsky, who will begin her term on that court in August. And in headlines: Georgia prosecutors will bring the case of Ahmaud Arbery to a grand jury, California sues Uber and Lyft, and meat shortages mean no junior bacon cheeseburgers at certain Wendy’s. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A leaked government projection shows the US daily death toll from Covid-19 reaching 3,000 by June, which would almost double the current rate. Both the model's creator and the White House say that number shouldn’t be taken at face value.  The FDA announced that companies selling antibody tests have to submit data that proves their accuracy within the next 10 days or face the possibility of getting removed from the market.  And in headlines: a former VP at Amazon resigns over the company’s treatment of whistleblowers, Costco limits meats, and former Governor Matt Bevin predicts a Pulitzer prize. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As dozens of states reopen, Senator Mitch McConnell wants liability protections for businesses, so that employers won't face the possibility of lawsuits if an employee gets COVID-19. Critics say that puts the economic wellbeing of businesses over the health and safety of workers. Presumptive democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden responded directly to an allegation of sexual assault made by Tara Reade, a former junior staffer in his senate office. And in headlines: the return of Kim Jong-Un, man versus murder hornet, and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to say what’s up to an eel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s the first of the month, which means rent is due for millions of Americans, workers are going on strike, and more states are reopening.  We bring you the latest on strikes from renters and workers. Plus, what’s up with Trump pushing intel agencies for dirt on China.  And we’re joined by comedian Whitmer Thomas for headlines: Elon Musk hates fascism, ventilator grifters make out, and Switzerland tells grandparents to hug their grandchildren. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New GDP data show the economy shrank at a 4.8% annual rate in January, February and March. That’s the worst quarterly decline since the 2008 recession, and unfortunately, the current quarter is probably going to be worse.  There’s an experimental drug called Remdesivir that the FDA is reportedly planning to approve for emergency use in treating symptoms of Covid-19. It’s not a cure, but some early trial data show that it reduces the length of the disease for some patients.  And in headlines: a 1-mile asteroid picks the wrong time to scare Earth, NCAA to allow athletes to make money, and "Trolls World Tour" brings equal parts pain and pleasure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump signed an executive order aimed at keeping meat-processing plants open by designating them as “critical infrastructure.” The union representing workers at these plants is concerned about being compelled to stay open without proper safety equipment, worker protections, and enforcement.  We interview Ed Yong, science writer at The Atlantic, about what we know about the virus so far, and what we're still learning. And in headlines: YouTube to ramp up fact-checking, Kentucky governor Andy Beshear v. Kentucky resident Tupac Shakur, and one reporter goes full Daffy Duck on Good Morning America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scientists at Oxford University have developed at Covid-19 vaccine that’s safe and effective in monkeys. Now, they’re moving into wide-scale human trials, and are hoping to test thousands of people by the end of May. In the US, the small business loan program had an imperfect relaunch.  Plus, we’re joined by Crooked’s own Jon Favreau for a politics update. We talk about the next relief bill, what Trump’s daily press conferences are doing for his re-election prospects, and more.  And in headlines: Florida puts voting rights on trial, Belgium calls on its citizens to eat frites, and the Pentagon releases footage of UFOs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump might be doing away with his hour-plus daily coronavirus briefings, which is a relief for so-called “privately concerned Republicans” who think they might scare away voters in November. The White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Birx hit the Sunday shows this weekend in Trump’s absence.  In states like Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Indiana, Tennessee, and Minnesota, a mix of Republican and Democratic governors are preparing to ease some restrictions on businesses starting this week.  And in headlines: Hungary may pass a new law to end the legal recognition of trans people, Taiwan’s “Home Alone” baseball games, and the end of horse-drawn carriages in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Senator Mitch McConnell thinks states should declare bankruptcy rather than get bailed out by the federal government. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp gives the green-light to reopen some essential businesses today, including bowling alleys.  Some northern regions of China are being subjected to new limitations on movement in response to Covid-19 outbreaks. China is also giving the World Health Organization a much-needed 30 million dollars now that the US has withdrawn funding.  And in headlines: tornadoes batter the south, virus-sniffing dogs, and bikers descend on a sandy skatepark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The doctor in charge of US government’s effort to develop a coronavirus vaccine was dismissed this week. He says it has to do with his opposition to untested treatments for Covid-19 pushed by President Trump.  School closures nationwide have created a massive disruption for students, parents, and teachers. We talk to Monise Seward, a 6th grade special education teacher in Georgia, about the difficulties of taking the classroom online.  And in headlines: Trump pops off about boats in Iran, Netflix sees big numbers under lockdown, and M.I.A.’s Vogue feature gets pulled due to very questionable takes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump is preparing an executive order that will suspend the issuing of green cards for 60 days. We speak to Ali Noorani, executive director of the National Immigration Forum, who says following through on Trump’s order would amount to turning our backs on the same people who are fighting Covid-19 on the front-lines. The Senate passed the interim relief deal yesterday. It funds small businesses, hospitals and testing, but doesn’t address hazard pay or vote-by-mail -- issues that Dems have been pushing for. And in headlines: Joe Biden’s fundraising numbers, Idris Elba’s bad quarantine idea, and a major comedy theatre closes its doors in NYC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Congress continues to negotiate their next relief bill, Democrats are pushing for a requirement that the administration develop a national testing strategy. Meanwhile, the National Restaurant Association is pushing for an industry bailout. Then, an update on case numbers around the country and the world. Plus, why Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina think it’s a good idea to reopen right now. And in headlines: the Supreme Court knocks down split jury convictions, John Stamos has a Dumbo, and Whole Foods' anti-unionization map is revealed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Congress is nearing a deal on a new round of funding for small businesses, hospitals and to ramp up testing — which experts say is still in too short supply. Plus, the latest on antibody tests and why they are so unreliable.  Around the world, Norway debuts a new voluntary tracking app and 100,000 people go to a funeral in Bangladesh, in defiance of social distancing rules. And in headlines: a mass shooting in Nova Scotia, Kim Jong-un denies “nice note,” and San Clemente sands its skatepark.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump administration is now saying what everyone else knew all along: it’s up to the states to determine how and when they begin easing out of lockdowns. The CDC is going to hire hundreds of people to ramp up efforts at contact tracing. And the White House is hoping to get 5 million people tested for coronavirus by the end of the month.  Around the world, fears around COVID-19 have exacerbated bigotry. We discuss how this is manifesting in China, where the government is suggesting that foreign visitors are the main risk to the health of Chinese citizens.  And we're joined by comedian and writer Caroline Goldfarb for headlines: Fashion Nova’s bad text, Keystone XL pipeline hits a setback, and Cory Booker’s quarantine binge-watch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Over 80 million Americans should have seen their coronavirus stimulus payments deposited in their bank accounts yesterday. For the rest of us, we'll have to wait for the mail version. Small businesses are seeing their loan program, which has been overloaded and clunky, run out money. Conservative activists gathered in Ohio and Michigan yesterday to protest the pandemic lockdown status in those states. But polls show they are in the minority. And in headlines: universities are dropping standardized testing requirements for fall applicants, retirees discover lost apples, and Reese Witherspoon’s dress company bungles a giveaway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After suggesting that he had “total authority” to determine when states reopen their economies, Trump now says the states can decide. Governors are making their own plans, with California, Oregon, and Washington forming a west coast group that will coordinate together.  Countries around the world are at different stages of their fight against coronavirus. Some like India are extending their lockdowns, while others like Austria are beginning to loosen restrictions.  And in headlines: Obama endorses Biden, Animal Crossing banned in China, and the British press gets the go-ahead to talk about a lady’s attraction to chandeliers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We interview Congresswoman Ilhan Omar about what progressives want from presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and what steps Congress should take next to address the pandemic.  Neighboring states are forming coalitions to make plans to lift restrictions. Coronavirus will delay the result of the census by an estimated four months.  And in headlines: Amazon to resume normal sales of non-essential items, the Supreme Court plans to argue on the phone, and Yosemite is for the bears. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

States are trying different approaches to address coronavirus racial disparities, from forming a task force in Louisiana to opening new testing centers in New York City. We speak to Dr. Abdul El-Sayed about what he’s seen in Detroit, and how structural racism leaves minority communities vulnerable. A new investigation in The New York Times says Trump was told about what this pandemic might look like in January and February and that he didn’t heed the warning.  And in headlines: OPEC countries reach a deal to cut oil production, Trump hates the postal service, and Dutch tulips against coronavirus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another 6.6 million people filed for unemployment benefits last week, meaning that more than 16 million jobs have been lost in the last three weeks. That puts more pressure on Congress to sort out more economic relief. The White House is reportedly going to announce a coronavirus-economic task force to look into when the economy can be re-opened.  Then, we're joined by comedian and writer Jamie Loftus for headlines: new jack Bob Dylan tops the Billboard charts for the first time, Biden makes concessions to the left, and Maryland engineers turn breast pumps to ventilators. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Senator Bernie Sanders has dropped out of the 2020 presidential race, but his ideas may live on. Vice President Joe Biden is now the presumptive democratic presidential nominee. We look at how we got here. Then, we talked to Clare Malone, senior political writer at Five Thirty Eight, about the Defense Production Act - and why the administration may not fully understand it. And in headlines: Nicaragua's missing president, detainees released, and why President Trump thinks now is a good time to mine the moon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lawmakers are considering a second relief package to provide assistance to people who were left out of the last bill. Some also want to add a rent moratorium, Medicare and Medicaid expansion, and more. We talk to Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) to learn about those efforts. And in headlines: a naval secretary steps down after comments about commander Brett Cozier, the UFC moves its octagon to a private island, and historians uncover one of the earliest uses of the F-bomb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wisconsin will be moving forward with in-person voting today, despite efforts to postpone the election for the sake of public health. We check in on what’s happening there and in other states set to vote soon. Plus, we interview Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes about the election and what this means for November. And in headlines: the ACLU sues to block parts of Puerto Rico’s coronavirus curfew, chaste pandas mate in Hong Kong, and the Mississippi governor makes time to honor fallen racists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We interview Keri Blakinger, a reporter at The Marshall Project who covers prisons, on how jails and detention centers are managing release of inmates to prevent the spread of coronavirus, and how the urgent push to get people out is affecting former inmates.  Government officials say the coming two weeks could be the most difficult yet as some states approach their potential peaks for COVID-19. Other states have begun to ramp down. We discuss that as well as new demographic data that paints an early picture of who is disproportionately affected by the virus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We interview Dr. Shaoli Chaudhuri, a resident at Columbia Medical Center in Manhattan, about what she’s seeing in the Covid-19 epicenter as doctors treat a growing number of patients with the virus - and healthcare workers themselves are getting sick.  An astonishing 6.6 million people filed for unemployment benefits in the US last week, and there’s a growing concern that coronavirus tests aren’t as accurate as many thought.  And in headlines: four major storms predicted for the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane season, lock up your Zoom, and Jeff Sessions clings on to a fake friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We talk to acting President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Alexis McGill Johnson about the state of reproductive rights during the pandemic, and the efforts several Republican-governed states have taken to restrict abortion access as part of their coronavirus response.  Congress is looking at a Phase 4 deal, which could include infrastructure projects. And the Trump administration will not reopen the ACA marketplace, which would’ve allowed uninsured people and people who recently lost their jobs to easily enroll.  And in headlines: Public Enemy pulls this year’s only April Fools prank, T-Mobile eats Sprint, and the FCC might make our Internet faster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We interview New York Times reporter Caitlin Dickerson about the far-reaching effects the pandemic is having on people in our immigration system: asylum seekers, DACA recipients, undocumented workers, ICE detainees and more.  The Trump administration has finally spoken up about their projections for the loss of life that America might experience as a result of Covid-19. Plus, we discuss the current recommendations on face-masks as protection against the virus.  And in headlines: Hungarian PM Viktor Orban is given unchecked power, Idaho's governor passes transphobic laws, and a fancy baby clothes company pitches in for coronavirus relief. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Efforts to bring unhoused people inside have been growing as the coronavirus outbreak takes hold, but advocates say there’s more to be done. We talk to Chris Ko, of the United Way in Los Angeles, to learn more about the situation in that city.  Workers across the country are feeling the impact of the pandemic. Employees at Macy’s, The Gap, and Kohl’s have been furloughed, while employees at Amazon, Instacart, and Whole Foods are going on strike.  And in headlines: the DOJ investigates Senator Richard Burr’s stock trades, sold-out chickens, and an astrophysicist fights Covid-19 by putting metal in nose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mutual-aid networks, which allow neighbors and community members to pool resources, have blossomed during the coronavirus crisis. We interview Christine Gatson-Michalak, co-founder of the Claremont Mutual Aid Project, about the biggest needs right now.  Trump held a press conference yesterday, where he said among other things that social distancing measures will continue until April 30. So our promised Easter Egg hunts will be taking place in our apartment living rooms.  And in headlines: Shaq misses meetings at Papa John’s, twisters in Arkansas, and the EPA rolls back protections during the pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The United States now has the most known COVID-19 cases in the world. We discuss the areas that have been hit hardest and how they’re handling the outbreak  Epidemiologist and host of “America Dissected” Dr. Abdul El-Sayed answers more of your most pressing COVID-19 questions. And in headlines: the US indicts Maduro, a half-billion dollar legal win for Maryland HBCUs, and Meghan Markle’s first post-Royal gig. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The senate approved a nearly $2 trillion relief package to respond to the coronavirus pandemic yesterday, after a day of delays and a lot of debate. We discuss what made it into the bill and what didn’t with Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown. And in headlines: three states restrict abortion access during Covid-19, everyone’s getting a pandemic pet, and Dr. Dre and Mister Rogers get recognized by the Library of Congress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Equipment shortages, exposure, and empathy: we hear from healthcare workers who are fighting Covid-19 on the front lines.  Plus, what Democrats are fighting for in the government coronavirus relief package and what Republicans are willing to concede. And how authorities are handling things in New York now that it’s become the epicenter of the US coronavirus outbreak.  And in headlines: Liberty University re-opens its doors, Colorado abolishes the death penalty, and YouTube goes low rez. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is America’s internet prepared for all of us to be online all of the time? We interview FCC commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel to get her answer. And we discuss how to close digital divide to make sure all students can continue their education online through the pandemic. Trump is suggesting that the economic slowdown resulting from social distancing could be “worse” than the pandemic, and more in the latest Covid-19 news.  And in headlines: Bloomberg sued, New Jersey releases inmates, and alcohol brands get busy making hand sanitizer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We interview Alexis Madrigal, staff writer at the Atlantic and founder of The COVID Tracking project, about the current state of coronavirus testing and why it took so long to get started.  Congress still hasn’t reached a deal on the coronavirus relief bill. We discuss where things stand, with five Republican senators in self-isolation and one recently diagnosed with Covid-19.  And in headlines: Kentucky does voter suppression while no one is looking, less traffic and pollution, and streaming services cut bit rates in the EU.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re joined once again by physician and former Detroit health commissioner Dr. Abdul El-Sayed to discuss Covid-19. We ask him how to evaluate the success of containment strategies, whether you can get coronavirus twice, and more. Congress is still hashing out the details on a the relief bill. Meanwhile, unemployment claims are skyrocketing.  And in headlines: Senators sell off stock ahead of the pandemic, free cheesecake at The Factory, and Representative Tulsi Gabbard drops out of the race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Senator Cory Booker joins us to discuss a proposal he’s drafted with fellow senators to give payments to Americans to help them through the pandemic, and how the current situation reveals the flaws in America’s safety net systems.  The Senate passed the House Bill on paid sick leave to help some US workers affected by Covid-19.  And in headlines: an earthquake near Salt Lake City, Russian archeologists discover bone house, and the US and China have an old fashioned journalist fight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yesterday, three states voted in the first post-pandemic-declaration elections of the presidential primary, and former Vice President Joe Biden won in all three.  Plus, we interview Democratic Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon about switching to vote by mail as the primaries continue.  And, Several Democratic Senators have been calling for direct cash payments for all Americans under a certain income level. And in headlines: Tom Brady leaves the Patriots, Duncan Hunter sentenced, and Big Brother’s german cast finds out about coronavirus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Covid-19 has hit the US economy hard, devastating the stock market and prompting limited hours and layoffs around the country. We talk to Annie Lowrey, a staff writer at the Atlantic, to help us parse the economic impact of the virus.  Florida, Illinois, Ohio, and Arizona were set to go to the polls today on yet another important day of voting in the presidential primary. We go through the different ways states are planning to hold a vote (or not) during a pandemic.  And in headlines: France fines Apple $1 billion, Starbucks doesn’t want you to stick around, and the SCOTUS postpones arguments due to Covid-19 concerns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Covid-19 continues to upend events, entire healthcare systems, and economies worldwide. We discuss the latest updates, including a new CDC recommendation on gatherings of 50 people or more and a bill working its way through congress that would help workers who’s jobs have been affected by the pandemic.  Sunday brought us the first one-on-one debate between former VP Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders. The two candidates were asked about everything from their hand hygiene to their prior, extensive voting records.  And in headlines: Bill Gates steps away from Microsoft, Disney gives us Babu Frik early, and Israeli opposition leader Benny Gantz wins a thin majority in Israel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Physician and former Detroit health commissioner Abdul El-Sayed comes on the show to discuss Covid-19. We ask him about the government response, how to avoid overloading our healthcare system, and what we can take from the way other countries have responded. Subscribe to the new season of his podcast “America Dissected” to stay up to date on everything you need to know about coronavirus.  Plus, we’ll look at Covid-19 on the campaign trail: both former VP Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders gave remarks on Thursday offering blistering critiques of the Trump administration’s handling of coronavirus and spoke about their own plans for the pandemic.  And in headlines: the stock market chews through a big money infusion, a planet rains hot iron, and the ACLU investigates facial recognition technology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The WHO has officially declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. And last night, President Trump announced new travel restrictions on foreign nationals coming from Europe. We tell you everything you need to know about where we’re at.  Senator Bernie Sanders spoke yesterday in his first event since Tuesday’s elections. He said he will stay in the race and previewed how he plans to go after Vice President Joe Biden in Sunday’s debate.  And in headlines: Weinstein gets 23 years, Covid-19 grifters, and Rockstar Energy is worth 3.9 billion dollars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was another good night for former Vice President Joe Biden, who has taken command of the race for the democratic presidential. He won overwhelming victories in Mississippi and Missouri plus a victory in Michigan and Idaho. We discuss the results and where we go from here.  COVID-19 cancel culture is in full swing, with some events like Coachella getting pushed and others like the democratic presidential debates going forward without an audience. The current approach aims to “flatten the curve”—we’ll talk about what that means.  And in headlines: the second person to ever be cured of HIV, a very independent dragon, and Putin’s forever presidency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yesterday, US stock markets had their worst day since the financial crisis in 2008. So many investors were selling off assets that trading was temporality halted in the morning and by the day’s end, the Dow finished down nearly 8 percent. We discuss this and more COVID-19 updates.  Six more states are voting today just a week after Super Tuesday, where former VP Joe Biden won big and became the leader in delegates. We zero in on Michigan, the state with the most delegates today and one that Democrats narrowly lost to President Trump in 2016.  And in headlines: New York state has a problematic new hand sanitizer, horse doping, and former Mayor Bloomberg returns to giving his money away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The presidential primary is in full swing, and unfortunately, so is COVID-19. We look at the precautions campaigns are taking against coronavirus and what states are doing to ensure that voting goes smoothly.  Women across Mexico are striking today, in protest of the rise of gender-based violence and killings in the country. Activists are calling on women to boycott work, school, shopping, and even using social media. And in headlines: President Trump’s newest chief of staff, Blackwater founder Erik Prince spies on teachers, and a fake cure for coronavirus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Senator Elizabeth Warren exited the presidential race on Thursday following disappointing results in her home state and beyond on Super Tuesday. Now, like princes at a formal ball, both Biden and Sanders are vying for her affection. We reflect on Warren's campaign and discuss what’s coming next.  It's been 10 years so that means it's census time: the great big test everyone loves to take comes out next week. We discuss what's different about this year’s census and why it’s important.  And in headlines: Perry pregnant, UAW’s “Irishman 2020,” and COVID-19’s impact on the stock market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Super Wednesday kicked off with a bang: former NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg dropping out of the race. Plus, the race in Maine was narrowly called for Biden. Now we wait as Senator Elizabeth Warren reassesses her path forward after a disappointing night.  Some coronavirus updates: the death toll from COVID-19 rose to 11 on Wednesday. American cases have surpassed 100, with at least 50 in California and 39 in Washington State. The Trump administration won’t say who will cover the cost of testing for uninsured Americans. Plus, info on the situation in Italy and Iran.  And in headlines: a peace deal with the Taliban, extreme wait-times at the polls in CA and TX, and the exciting debut of “fleets.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yesterday was Super Tuesday, where 14 states and one territory voted in the presidential primary. Former VP Joe Biden over-performed in what some (read: none) are already calling "Joebal Warming," while Senator Bernie Sanders didn’t do as well as some predicted. Final delegate totals are still coming in—we’ll talk you through what we know.  And in headlines: deadly storms in Tennessee, an election update in Israel, and the Knicks lose their biggest fan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today is Super Tuesday, where 14 states and one territory will vote. It’s the biggest day of the presidential nominating contest so far… and 1,357 delegates are up for grabs.  Tomorrow, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in a major abortion rights case out of Louisiana, over a law that requires abortion providers to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. We explain. And in headlines: Uber and Lyft do political activism in California, astronauts wanted, and the return of Batterygate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The government is beginning to dole out COVID-19 testing kits, and hundreds of medical centers in the US have begun developing their own version of testing in the meantime. The South Carolina primary was this weekend, with former VP Joe Biden scoring a decisive victory. A poor showing from former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg led him to drop out on Sunday. Now, it’s onward to Super Tuesday, where 14 states and one territory will vote. And in headlines: a union representing Starbucks workers says minority baristas have faced discrimination, the acting director of the USCIS was never really appointed, and the latest on adult child Lizzie McGuire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

South Carolina goes to the polls on Saturday. There are 54 delegates at stake and it’s the first state where black voters make up a majority of the electorate. More coronavirus updates: a whistleblower says more than a dozen federal employees in California weren’t given proper training or protective gear when they were assigned to interact with quarantined Americans who were evacuated from Wuhan. And Gavin Newsroom says 8,400 California residents are being monitored for the virus after one woman there tested positive. Plus, we’re joined by assistant producer Sonia Htoon for headlines: the moon’s little brother, Clearview AI is watching, and Scotland offers free pads and tampons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump held a press conference yesterday in conjunction with the CDC to update the nation on the COVID-19 preparedness plan. That plan involves appointing Vice President Mike Pence to oversee the government's response to the epidemic—but importantly, he’s not really a coronavirus czar, so don’t call him one.  The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed legislation that would make lynching a federal hate crime on Wednesday — more than 100 years since the first measure against it was introduced to Congress.  And in headlines: a mass shooting in Milwaukee, a humanitarian crisis in Syria, and Maria Sharapova hangs up her racquet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last night seven democratic presidential candidates took the stage in Charleston, South Carolina for the tenth debate of this election cycle and the last one before Super Tuesday. Overall, this one was a mess. We’ll talk you through the big moments, and the ways the candidates tried to define themselves against frontrunner Bernie Sanders.  And in headlines: Bob Iger retires, Trump’s least favorite Supreme Court justices, and the CDC weighs in on coronavirus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein has been convicted on two counts of felony sex crimes. The convictions are the culmination of a month-long trial and testimonies brought by six women.  The Supreme Court added a case to its docket on Monday, which will decide whether it was okay for city officials in Philadelphia to end a foster care contract with Catholic Social Services because the agency said it would not accept applications from same-sex couples.  And in headlines: Trump is big in India, marsquakes, and another coronavirus update. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bernie Sanders had a dominating win in the Nevada caucus on Saturday. As of Sunday night, he had captured nearly 47.1 percent of county convention delegates, with former VP Joe Biden in a distant second, followed by Mayor Pete, Senator Warren, and Senator Klobuchar. We discuss the coalition that led Sanders to victory and what to look for in South Carolina. The Wuhan coronavirus is still spreading, having produced its first major outbreak in Italy, along with South Korea and Iran. Just keep washing your hands and reading real verified reporting and you’ll stay healthy and sane.  And in headlines: Florida’s backwards new abortion law, Rihanna’s NAACP speech, and trouble at the Mike Bloomberg status update factory.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Nevada caucuses are on Saturday. It’s the third contest in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary and the first where voters of color will have a huge say in the outcome. We tell you everything you need to know about the “Big Bad Battle In The Desert.” Nine people are dead following a shooting at two hookah bars in Germany on Wednesday. It’s the latest in a tragic pattern of white supremacist violence in the country.  And in headlines: Victoria’s Secret goes private, UC Santa Cruz grad students are striking, and Russia is interfering to help Trump (again). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Six presidential candidates took the stage in Las Vegas last night for the last debate before the Nevada Caucuses on Saturday. And folks: it was a street fight. We discuss how Bloomberg fared on his first time out (spoiler alert: not well) and some extremely tense moments between our beloved midwesterners.  And in headlines: hat birds are back, My Own Private Greater Idaho, and California to apologize for the internment of Japanese Americans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump went on a pardoning spree on Tuesday, giving commutations or pardon to 11 individuals convicted of white-collar crime. To make his picks, he took “recommendations” from Rudy Giuliani.  Employees at Kickstarter voted to unionize yesterday, making it the first large-scale union at a well-known tech company. We discuss the ‘state of the unions’ in the world of tech.  And in headlines: Boy Scouts of America scores its “Chapter 11 badge,” Harvard students call for prison divestment, and a preview of tonight’s Democratic debate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An extremely rich man wants to do a good thing: Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos announced a pledge of $10 billion to combat climate change. We discuss how he’s going to spend that money and reactions to the news. Over 73,000 people have been infected with coronavirus and the death toll is above 1,800. The latest on what the outbreak means for travelers and the global economy. And in headlines: floods in Mississippi, Virginia votes down an assault weapons ban, and Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg has to regulate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Major US newspaper publisher McClatchy, which owns The Miami Herald and dozens of other daily newspapers around the country, has filed for bankruptcy. We discuss what we’re missing out on when local journalism outfits bite the dust. Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg has been spending immense amounts of money to promote his presidential campaign and now, it’s brought him attention both good and bad. We look back at some of his more troubling stances. Plus, how he’s running to become the first ‘meme-elected’ president.  And in headlines: the Seattle City Council votes to end winter evictions, Apple retail employees win in court, the US men’s soccer team sticks up for their Valentines. What A Day will be back after's President's Day, see you Tuesday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The sentencing recommendation for former Trump campaign advisor Roger Stone got shortened by the DOJ and it all feels awfully corrupt. We discuss what might've happened and how lawmakers are reacting to a possible overreach by President Trump. The chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party is resigning amid calls for a partial re-canvass and a large union in Nevada is calling out candidates that support Medicare For All. And in headlines: white supremacists are publishing more propaganda, WhatsApp hits 2 billion, and more on Papa John's pizza diet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Senator Bernie Sanders won the New Hampshire primary Tuesday night with around 26 percent of the vote, followed by Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar, Elizabeth Warren, and Joe Biden. We talk to Sanders voters at his victory event and give the view on the ground from 2020's first primary. And in headlines: Roger Stone’s lighter sentence, beautiful dogs gather in New York City, and T-Mobile and Sprint get approved to get married. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today is the day of the New Hampshire primary, which will hopefully be the first totally worry-free candidate selecting event of the 2020 season. We’re on the ground in NH finding out what’s motivating voters.  The Trump administration announced their 2021 budget proposal yesterday, and it included big cuts to social programs like Medicare and Medicaid and more money for defense and the all-important Space Force.  And in headlines: Amazon’s case against Trump, SeaWorld eliminates dolphin-riding, and Israel’s even worse voting app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The New Hampshire primary is on Tuesday and we’re on-the-ground describing what the 2020 candidates are doing there. We’ll also talk you through a new law passed by the state’s Republican controlled legislature that is causing confusion amongst young voters.  The death toll of Wuhan’s coronavirus continues to rise in China. We talk you through the actions that the Chinese government is taking to control the spread and how it’s affecting the people of China and beyond.  And in headlines: Weinstein’s defense team, Carson defends Trump, and The Oscars get taken over by a Parasite. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Iowa caucuses took place on Monday night and more full results have finally started to come in. 100 percent of precincts have been reported, but most news outlets has yet to declare a winner. Bernie Sanders leads in vote totals and he and Pete Buttigieg differ by just .1 percent in Standard Delegate Equivalents.  Following the recent string of deaths in Mississippi prisons, the Justice Department is now opening a civil rights probe into the state’s prison system. As the lawsuit goes on, inmates are living in an environment that’s proven be unsafe.  And in headlines: Christina Koch makes space history, Trump’s very gracious acquittal speech, and the perils “free” tax filing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yesterday afternoon the Senate voted to acquit President Trump of two articles of impeachment. Senator Mitt Romney had his “Mitt savior” moment when he voted to convict, drawing the ire of Trump and GOP loyalists.  A nationwide partial vape ban goes into effect today, as a result of an earlier decision by the Trump administration to go after e-flavored cigarettes.  And in headlines: end of NYC broker fees, , No More Deaths gets permission to do good at the border, and Iowa results are still coming in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are on to day three of the never-ending PTA meeting also known as the Iowa caucus and as of yet there is still no declared winner and the state’s Democratic party has not released 100 percent of the vote totals. We do a post-mortem on the event and look ahead to New Hampshire.  Today is the final day in the Senate impeachment trial of Donald Trump. We discuss the mental gymnastics Republican senators have gone through to admit Trump did wrong, but not wrong enough to convict.  And in headlines: Amazon drones, outsourcing the American dream to Finland, and blowing up the Tesla bubble. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Iowa caucuses were a joyous affair, filled with high hopes, hard work, and spirited neighborly debate. Attempts to report the results of the caucuses were an unmitigated disaster. We talk you through the multiple “victory” speeches, the arguments against letting Iowa kick off the primary season, and more. And in headlines: YouTube doesn’t want your deepfakes, at-risk fireflies, and Boris Johnson’s media kerfuffle. Plus, Hysteria's Erin Ryan fills in for Akilah! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tonight is the night of the Iowa Caucuses, so if you haven’t been paying attention, here’s your opportunity to catch up. From a tasteful three-star hotel room in the heart of Des Moines, we discuss how caucusing works and where things stand among the 2020 candidates. Plus, we’re joined by Pod Save America’s lead Iowa enthusiast, Tommy Vietor, who lends a caucus veteran's perspective.  And in headlines: sexism inside Victoria’s Secret, new nut drug, and the EU lights up the Lightning Cable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump administration unveiled a new Medicaid plan, which gives states the opportunity to convert part of the public insurance system into block grants. This so called “Healthy Adult Opportunity” could end up reducing health care benefits. Unless the 51 GOP senators get swapped for other, better senators, today is the day that the impeachment will either draw to a close, or get pretty close to it. It was kinda fun while it lasted. We discuss some of the lowlights from the past few days of the trial.  And in headlines: life expectancy goes up, Virginia gun laws, Trump’s dead bird and explosion legacy. Plus, Hysteria’s Erin Ryan fills in for Akilah! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As of Wednesday night, there are more than 7,700 coronavirus cases in at least 20 countries, including 5 cases in the U.S. Still, it’s not time for you to freak out. We discuss how the media has historically reacted to would-be epidemics and why the CDC says the risk of a stateside coronavirus outbreak is low. The Guardian announced that it would no longer accept advertising from fossil fuel extractive companies, making them the first major news organization to do so.  And in headlines: Dersh’s bad defense, Success Kid sues, and a spirit cruise in Santa Cruz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump’s impeachment defense has rested its case before the Senate. This after they only used 12 of 24 allotted hours to argue against the president’s removal, and after many experts pointed out that their defense of the president is extraordinarily weak-sauce. We discuss what's next and why we should continue to care. There was a special election in Texas on Tuesday, where Republican Gary Gates easily defeated Democrat Eliz Markowitz by a double-digit margin for a seat in the Texas House of Representatives. We interview former congressman Beto O'Rourke to find out what Texas dems are fighting for. And in headlines: Trump’s “peace plan,” Delta discriminates, Chipotle’s teen problem. Plus, Hysteria's Erin Ryan fills in for Akilah! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump’s legal team presented their defense in the Senate impeachment trial, charging on despite reports that Security Advisor John Bolton may have dropped bombshells in his upcoming book. We discuss which Republican Senators might break with their party to call Bolton to the stand.  The Supreme Court lifted an injunction blocking a Trump administration rule that restricts visas and green cards for immigrants who qualify as a so-called “public charge.” We discuss what that means and how it will impact people living in this country. And in headlines: Prince Andrew’s wet phone, Uber’s Project Waluigi, a football coach’s very bad interview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There’s just one week until the Iowa caucuses, where voters will get their first chance to pick the candidate they’d like to see go up against Trump. We discuss the state of affairs and ask Pat Rynard, founding and managing editor of Iowa Starting Line, about his thoughts on the race.  NBA All-Star and MVP Kobe Byrant passed away yesterday, in a helicopter crash that also killed his daughter Gianna along with 7 others. We discuss his legacy and reactions to the tragic news. And in headlines: Billie’s big night at the Grammy’s, Mike Pompeo goes off, and Trump’s defense takes the stage.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump mentioned taking a look at cuts to Social Security. We discuss the implications and how the issue of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are showing up in the presidential race. Trump’s White House is also rolling out a new rule to limit so-called “birth tourism.” We discuss what this could mean for literally any woman applying for a visitor visa.  And in headlines: pharma exec goes to jail for Insys, special clocks, and NYC goes cashless-less. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Impeachment continued on Wednesday with House managers beginning to lay out their case for why President Trump should be convicted and removed from office. We discuss highlights and re-introduce you to the key Republican Senators who might be feeling the heat. Trump confirmed his intention to widen his infamous travel ban, potentially doubling its scope by adding a bunch of new countries like Belarus, Myanmar, and more. And in headlines: coronavirus updates, standing up to Geoffrey the Giraffe, and the latest from pyramid scheme baroness Betsy DeVos. Check out the Drop App: https://b.ewd.io/whataday Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Senate impeachment trial for President Trump began on Tuesday, featuring debates over the rules, furrowed brows, at least one Senator who fell asleep, and no liquids besides water or milk. We discuss other highlights from a long day in court. Cases of a new strain of coronavirus have been detected in China, plus nearby nations like Thailand, Japan, and South Korea, along with one case in the US. We tell you what coronavirus is and what you can do about it besides worrying yourself crazy.  And in headlines: Bezos hacked, Greenwald “hacks,” and Bloomberg’s big ad buys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The impeachment trial for President Trump officially kicks off today in the Senate. We’ll see if it goes exactly the way Mitch McConnell wants it to or if justice can find a way. At yesterday’s Brown and Black Forum in Iowa, an impressively direct group of moderators asked the Democratic candidates some questions of concern to the black community. We discuss the event’s history and some of the day's biggest moments.  And in headlines: computer buildings, less plastic in China, and Superyacht: Boat of Steel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida’s Supreme Court passed a ruling that will restrict voting rights for people who have been convicted of a crime, which effectively instates a poll tax. Crooked Media’s editor-in-chief Brian Beutler joins us for an impeachment update: the Senators got sworn in on Thursday, Chief Justice John Roberts got sworn in to preside, and we want to talk about it. And in headlines: USCMA passes, bad men arrested, and high cream crimes and misdemeanors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The House of Representatives turned in the articles of impeachment to the Senate on Wednesday, kicking off the next phase of the trial of President DJT. That, plus a bombshell MSNBC interview with Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas, will give you twice your daily dose of Ukrainegate.  Virginia has voted to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, helping it cross the threshold of three-quarters of states needed to ratify it nationwide.  And in headlines: WBNA players score a salary slam dunk, sword divorce, and an injunction on a bad executive order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last night was the seventh democratic debate featuring the smallest candidate pool yet. Just six candidates took the stage: Biden, Sanders, Warren, Buttigieg, Klobuchar, and Steyer. We discuss this somewhat uneventful night, along with the new Tom Steyer sports team that we as Americans are all apparently members of.  And in headlines: Lev’s paper trail, Bond’s new type of Bad Guy, and Boris Johnson's big bell idea. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Attorney General Bill Barr wants Apple’s help unlocking the iPhone of a Saudi Arabian shooter who opened fire on a naval base last month. We discuss what Apple’s response means for data privacy.  In this week's 2020 update, Senator Cory Booker dropped out, supporters of Warren and Sanders are beefing, and there’s a debate tonight where the top six candidates will go head-to-head.  And in headlines: Russian hackers are at it again, Diego the horny tortoise, and Thinx underwear and the dangers of free-bleeding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the days since the Trump administration killed Qasem Soleimani, there’s been little consensus on why the drone strike was necessary. We discuss Congress’ continuing response to this likely case of Presidential impulsivity.  Texas Governor Greg Abbott is now barring refugees from settling in Texas, empowered by a Trump executive order. We discuss whether the law will stand.  And in headlines: Serena Williams is a mom with a title, vultures are antifa, and what will come of the Sandringham Showdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

US and Canadian officials think the plane that crashed in Iran was struck by a surface-to-air missile. Further investigation will require lots of countries and agencies working together, and the current circumstances aren’t perfect for a group project.  Reports say Nancy Pelosi could send the articles of impeachment to Mitch McConnell by the end of the week. We discuss what comes after that.  The magical disappearing act of former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn in a segment we call "The Cold Read.”   And in headlines: bipartisan action in Kansas, wax wars in Great Britain, and the transport workers strike in France. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump announced economic sanctions on Iran following Tuesday’s missile strikes, but he didn’t call for escalation. Congress is taking steps to block military action in the off chance he changes his mind.  A new report from the American Cancer Society says the cancer death rate in the US dropped by 2.2 percent from 2016 to 2017. That’s the largest decline ever reported in the span of a year. Heck ya! And in headlines: announcing Grimes Junior, Teen Vogue loves Facebook, and big plans from Andrew “Cheech” Cuomo! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iranian forces launched ballistic missiles against two military bases in Iraq that house US troops. Stay tuned today for the White House’s official response.  Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell plans to more forward with impeachment without hearing witnesses. We discuss what might happen as we roll on towards the bottom of impeachment valley.  Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vázquez filed a state of emergency after the island was hit by a series of earthquakes that have left 300,000 homes and businesses without water. And in headlines: FB deepfakes, Bloomberg’s big game, and the tale of Sonos and Goliath. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former White House National Security Advisor John Bolton said that if he’s subpoenaed by the Senate, he’d be willing to give up the goods. We discuss the GOP reaction and what else is new in Trump’s impeachment.  Film producer and accused rapist Harvey Weinstein went to trial in New York yesterday. At the same time, he was indicted for similar crimes in Los Angeles. Things are not looking good for Harvey. And in headlines: memories of Pier 1 Imports, Judge Judy gavels for Bloomberg, and helping out in Australia with the power of nudes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The US assassinated Iranian Major General Qassim Suleimani via drone strike last Friday. We discuss the repercussions and talk with California congressman Ro Khanna about the legislation he’s introducing to block funds being used for military actions without congressional authorization.  Wildfires have ravaged Australia for the past few weeks, killing 24 people and destroying thousands of homes. We discuss what’s being done and what you can do to help those in need.  And in headlines: reading Lev Parnas' texts, more bad news for Boeing, and Ricky roasts without remorse at the 2020 Golden Globes.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The last Democratic debate of 2019 was last night, featuring impeachment, wine caves, and some of the biggest out-and-out brawls we’ve seen so far. We discuss what stood out in this newly-narrowed field. And in headlines: Wakanda found, Christians against Trump, and Hogwarts is bad at gender studies. Plus, we’re joined by What A Day head writer Jon Millstein.  It’s our last show until the New Year! Have an amazing break! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The House of Representatives voted to impeach Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. But Pelosi isn’t giving up the articles just yet. We discuss what went down yesterday and where we go from here.  We ask the Crooked team about their personal political highlights and lowlights of the past ten years, in a segment we call “Shoutouts and Strikeouts Of The 2010s.”  And in headlines: record heat in Australia, a spine-tingling crypto-mystery, and how to have the best Yang fit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today House Democrats are expected to formally vote to impeach Donald Trump. He now joins Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton on the Mt. Rushmore of impeached presidents.  Two mass graves have been found in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which are believed to hold the remains of African-American victims of the 1921 Tulsa Massacre. We discuss this heinous act of racial violence with a WaPo reporter who’s covered it extensively, DeNeen Brown.  And in headlines: DeRulo’s cat lump, 100 billion Mormon dollars, and the debate gets a date. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boeing announced it will stop making 737 Max Jetliners next month. We talk about what it means for the economy, jobs and the whole shabang.  Wisconsin is purging hundreds of thousands of people from its voter rolls. Georgia could be next. Stacey Abrams is fighting against this form of voter suppression. Help her fight at votesaveamerica.com/fairfight.   And in headlines: Protests in India, Congress finally funds research on gun violence, and Kumail’s shredded bod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The location of Thursday’s Democratic presidential primary is in question because food service workers at Loyola Marymount are striking. We discuss who will be on the stage (if there is one! We don’t really know!).  Trump will probably be impeached this week in the House. You're making history, dude! From there, it’s on to the Big Bad Senate. And in headlines: Hallmark’s wild weekend, Purdue plays both sides, and an UNproductive climate congress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The FTC is reportedly considering a court order to block Facebook from integrating WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger into a giant, terrifying “Facebook Megazord.” We discuss that, along with FB’s plans for a content supreme court.  The Judiciary Committee is expected to approve two articles of impeachment against Donald Trump, making him the fourth president ever to face impeachment. Good luck, dude! And in headlines: Boris wins Britain, Don Jr.’s version of a fun sport, and more. Plus, we dig into the Bowl Of Takes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson defends his title today as the nation holds general elections. He’ll be facing threats from all sides, including UK Bernie Jeremy Corbyn.  Harvey Weinstein’s lawyers announced that they’ve come to a tentative agreement with his accusers. If we learned anything about rich men in power, we should've guessed that Weinstein’s offer wouldn't be good.  And in headlines: cocaine sweaters, Khalil Mack is on the nice list, and WAD’s Person Of The Year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

House Democrats have reached a deal with Trump on the United States Mexico Canada Agreement, which will replace the artist formerly known as NAFTA. We discuss what that means.  A new report shows that Greenland’s ice sheets are melting fast. To get technical, they’re now melting in dog years.  And in headlines: Spygate 2, SATs, and Trump appoints himself President Of Judaism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A report from the Inspector General has revealed Trump’s claim that the FBI spied on him in 2016 to be false. We talk about what else we learned from this scorching hot doc. Report two is from the Washington Post, about how American officials repeatedly lied and hid evidence that the conflict there was unwinnable. We discuss.  And in headlines: Golden Globe noms, the case of Cannon v. Shady, and Warren wins the war for transparency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Saturday, the House Judiciary Committee released their impeachment report, which is essentially the legal roadmap they’ll be following from here on out. We tell you what’s coming as we begin… the final countdown. In 2020 updates, Warren and Buttigieg have bad blood, Bloomberg sounds off on his employee’s salaries, and more.  And in headlines: a shooting in Pensacola, protests in Hong Kong, and an insane amount of government-sponsored jewelry in San Francisco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A multi-million-dollar lobbying group is running ads in early primary voting states against Medicare For All and the public option. In our “We Have Issues 2020” segment, we talk to congresswoman Pramila Jayapal about where the candidates stand on healthcare coverage, and how Medicare For All works as a campaign issue. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday that she will instruct congress to draft the articles of impeachment against President Trump. Meanwhile, top Trump bud Rudy Giuliani is gallivanting around Ukraine, making some sort of investigative documentary about the same subject. And in headlines: striking in France, Ice T stands with the Internet, and Joe Biden flaunts his pecs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The USDA released a new food stamp rule that would kick an estimated 755,000 people off food benefits. We discuss with US Senator from Michigan Debbie Stabenow and senior Urban Institute fellow Elaine Waxman. A flock of law professors descended on the House Judiciary Committee to offer their expert opinions as to whether President Donald Trump’s dealings in Ukraine justify impeachment. 3 out 4 ain’t bad! And in headlines: plantation weddings are actually very bad, Elon mounts the “guy” defense, and a justice for Q. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

California Senator Kamala Harris suspended her presidential campaign on Tuesday. We discuss the factors that led her to this point, including ones many in the press seem to have overlooked. Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee released their impeachment report, and the White House response produced our new favorite insult. You didn’t hear it from us, but Adam Schiff is a “basement blogger.” And in headlines: Willie off weed, McKinsey loves ICE, and Rap Genius is a real genius Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We talk to presidential candidate and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro about the way the DNC does primaries, whether the Democratic party needs to refocus on poverty, and how he likes his blueberry pancakes. California Republican Congressman Duncan Hunter has pled guilty to spending campaign funds on very necessary purchases like a rabbit’s plane ticket and five extra-marital affairs. We look ahead at his political future. And in headlines: Trump can’t pick a tariff and stick with it, Sanders sticks up for the Dayton Dragons, and Elon’s tweets come back to haunt him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Supreme Court will hear a major gun rights case today, which could lead to the expansion of the Second Amendment. We discuss how we got here, and where we’re headed. Impeachment moves to the House Judiciary Committee this week, marking the triumphant return of Jerry “Scary” Nadler. We review some greatest hits from the hearings so far, and the ways Republicans have tried to spin Trump’s dealings with Ukraine. And in headlines: protests and resignations in Iraq, Sondland sexual misconduct allegations, and NBC blows it with Gabrielle Union. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Federal prosecutors have launched a criminal probe of opioid makers and distributors, a type of investigation that’s usually reserved for drug dealers and cartels. We discuss how this might develop. It’s Thanksgiving week! We remind you of the main points you need to know to emerge victorious from every turkey day scuffle in our “What A Day Thanksgiving Issue Round-up And Political Brawler’s Handbook.” And in headlines: Mayor Pete feels op-dread, the return of Mark Sandy, and Melania gets “Be Bested”-d by children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A judge rules that White House lawyer Don McGahn must testify to congress despite Trump's efforts to block him. Impeachment: Season 2 is gonna be good. The city of London is taking away Uber’s license to operate in London. Looks like you’re gonna have to take the Tube. And in headlines: SHS on the campaign trail, a good day for animals, and the intense, destructive power of Cameo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New leaked documents detail how far the Chinese government has gone to detain ethnic minorities and muslims. We discuss what the documents reveal. More on that, here: https://apnews.com/4ab0b341a4ec4e648423f2ec47ea5c47 Michael Bloomberg is gearing up to spend the combined net worth of every person you will ever meet on his presidential campaign. We discuss how he plans to win. And in headlines: Iran gets back online, Nunes is in the hot seat, and Frozen 2 snows money at the box office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fiona Hill and David Holmes close out a week in testimonies and Schiff brings the gavel down with a fiery closing statement. Plus, Sondland’s famous “loves your ass” quote is officially confirmed. Out Magazine executive editor Raquel Willis joins us to discuss The Trans Obituaries Project and what can be done to end anti-trans violence. Find out more here: https://www.out.com/print/2019/11/20/trans-obituaries-project And we show how hard it is to distinguish campaign walk-up songs from electronics commercial jingles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

During his impeachment hearing, Gordon Sondland confirms the quid-pro-quo and says his orders came from the top dog: El Presidente. We discuss that and the testimony of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Laura Cooper. Ten democratic candidates faced off in a rapid-fire two-hour debate at Tyler Perry Studios in Georgia. We discuss highlights including some choice Booker-on-Biden weed slams. And in headlines: Zuck’s Trump dinner, Google’s union-busting, and BTS gets no noms (!!). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In an epic 12 hour impeach-a-thon, four witnesses took the stand, including Lt. Colonel Vindman, Pence aid Jennifer Williams, former special envoy to Ukraine Kurt Volker, and Europe and Russia special expert slash spokesman for drinking milk Tim Morrison. We talk through the biggest takeaways. And in headlines: Epstein guards on trial, Madea’s big debate, and the new Cats trailer is not safe for human or animal consumption Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The trial of Roger Stone has led Democrats to dust off their old yellowed copies of The Mueller Report, and broaden the impeachment inquiry to crimes Trump may have committed outside of the Ukraine ones. Joe Biden’s recent comments about weed as a “gateway drug” (thank you, Vice President DARE Mascot) lead us to examine different candidates’ perspectives on marijuana legalization. And in headlines: the US signs off on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, Trump backtracks on mango JUUL pods, and a tragic case of Jay against K. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete Buttigieg is surging in Iowa, and Michael Bloomberg is kicking off his late-blooming campaign by apologizing for his racist “Stop & Frisk” policy. We discuss this and more in our 2020 primary update. Texas death row inmate Rodney Reed was granted an indefinite stay by the courts last week. We look at the evidence that Reed was falsely convicted, and discuss how his case gained traction. And in headlines: impeachment updates, the case of Lizzo v. Postmates, and a goodbye to Eddie Rispone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices