The Daily Dive

Latest Episodes:

Biden’s Spending Plan Back on Track and Mass Firings Due to Vaccine Mandates Could Happen Soon Oct 25, 2021

Show notes

Progress has been slow, but it seems that Biden's Build Back Better plan is back on track with a vote expected this week. The spending plan has been pared down to about $2 trillion from the initial $3.5 trillion. In order to get there, paid leave for new parents has been reduced, expanded Medicare that would include dental and vision will now be a voucher, and tuition free community college has been scrapped. Ginger Gibson, deputy Washington digital editor at NBC News, joins us for this, the Supreme Court taking on the Texas abortion law, and Dr. Fauci is in the GOP crosshairs again.

Next, we could very soon see mass firings across the country as deadlines for vaccine mandates approach. The federal government, certain states, and private companies have faced opposition from employees as some are still resisting their shots for a variety of reasons, but what happens after that? Disruptions to some essential services could occur as rehiring and training may lag. Firefighters, police, and nursing staff are not so easily replaced. Pedro Gonzalez, associate editor at Chronicles Magazine, joins us for more.

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WEEKEND EDITION- Trump’s Truth Social and the Nasty Logistics of Returning Your Online Items Oct 24, 2021

Show notes

This is a compilation of some of the most compelling stories of the week.

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WEEKEND EDITION- The Metaverse Could Be the Next Generation of the Internet and Teens With TikTok Tics Oct 23, 2021

Show notes

This is a compilation of some of the most compelling stories of the week.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teen Girls Are Developing Tourette Syndrome-Like Tics and TikTok Could Be a Part of It Oct 22, 2021

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A recent phenomena has been turning up in doctors’ offices where teen girls are exhibiting sudden and severe physical tics. After digging into it, many of the girls had one thing in common, they are were watching Tourette syndrome TikTok videos. Most of these teens had also previously been diagnosed with anxiety or depression, but girls with tics are rare and these teens had a high number of them and in some cases the same tic, such as saying the word ‘beans.’ Julie Jargon, family and tech columnist at the WSJ, joins us for how these tics were developing because of social media.

Next, former President Trump has announced that he will be launching a digital media network complete with a social media platform called “Truth Social.” With this venture he seems to be taking aim at everyone in three distinct divisions: social media, subscription based content and news, and even alternatives to internet services like AWS. Truth Social could be launching in early 2022, but there seems to be a lot of work yet to be done as some reports said the site was already hacked. Kia Kokalitcheva, tech and business reporter at Axios, joins us for more.

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In a First, Pig Kidney Is Transplanted Into Human and It Worked! Oct 21, 2021

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In a first of its kind procedure, surgeons transplanted a pig kidney into a human and it immediately began to work. The kidney was grown in a genetically altered pig modified so the human body wouldn't reject the organ. While the procedure was a success, it was only monitored for 54 hours. So the big question is what would be the long-term viability of the organ. Roni Rabin, health writer at the NY Times, joins us for this success that could one day be a new source for transplant organs.

Next, the White House has unveiled its plan for getting kids aged 5-11 vaccinated once the Pfizer vaccine is approved for that age range. The vaccines would be distributed at pediatric offices, pharmacies, and schools. The vaccine would be two shots at a lower dosage given three weeks apart. Kids are largely spared the worst effects of the virus so the big hurdle will be getting parents to vaccinate their kids while there is already so much pushback. Sabrina Siddiqui, White House reporter at the WSJ, joins us for more.

Finally, a story of a multimillion-dollar shoplifting scheme run by a father-daughter duo. Robert and Noni Whitely have been sentenced to five years in prison after orchestrating a scheme that got them $6.1 million dollars over a decade. They would give shoplifters a list of items like razor blades, toothpaste, shampoo and over the counter drugs then turn around and sell them on online marketplaces at a discount. Lukas Alpert, financial crime reporter at MarketWatch, joins us for how it all happened

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Mix-n-Match Covid Booster Shots Could Be Very Effective, Here’s What You Should Know Oct 20, 2021

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Mix-n-match Covid booster shots could be on their way soon. The FDA may be allowing Americans to switch to another shot when choosing a booster. Preliminary data shows that it is still safe and gives a huge boost to your protection particularly if you had the J&J shot. The Pfizer vaccine boosted antibody levels by a factor of 35 and Moderna raised it 76-fold. Carl Zimmer, columnist at the NY Times, joins us for more on mix-match boosters.

Next, the Haitian gang accused of kidnapping American missionaries goes by the name of 400 Mawozo, and they have reportedly asked for $17 million, a ransom of $1 million per hostage. Kidnappings have increased as the president there was recently assassinated and poverty persists throughout the country. This group has been responsible for 80% of the kidnappings in the last few months. Miriam Berger, international news reporter at The Washington Post, joins us for what to know.

Finally, nearly 40% of state workers in California remain unvaccinated despite Gov. Gavin Newsom’s orders. The orders are to be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing and state workers are lagging compared to the general public. The big hurdle comes soon as state offices begin to reopen and the testing infrastructure still needs to be completed. Wes Venteicher, state worker reporter at the Sacramento Bee, joins us for more.

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Get Ready for the Next Generation of the Internet, the ‘Metaverse’ Oct 19, 2021

Show notes

It could be the next generation of the internet. It could be bigger than the impact of the mobile revolution and many companies are gearing up to make it happen. I am talking about the ‘metaverse.’ It is an immersive digital world where you can shop, gather with friends in the form of digital avatars, and experience a world that goes beyond the real one. The technology isn’t completely there yet, but big tech companies like Microsoft and Facebook are working toward that goal. Sarah Needleman, tech reporter at the WSJ, joins us for what to expect from the metaverse and what it will take to get there.

Next, interventions in diet, exercise and mental outlook are some of the best ways to add healthy years to your life. Experts who have studied longevity say that by the end of this century, it’s possible that someone could live longer than the current record of 122 years old. There is a process in which certain stressors can activate genes that slow down cell growth and aging, and a lot of that can be triggered with diet and exercise. Matt Fuchs, contributor to The Washington Post, joins us for how to how to add healthy years.

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Bill Clinton Gets Out of the Hospital and the Nasty Logistics of Returning Your Online Purchases Oct 18, 2021

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It is always a little worrisome when a former president goes into the hospital, but former President Bill Clinton has responded well to his medications and been discharged after a urological infection went into his bloodstream. He will now go back home to NY to continue treatment. Ginger Gibson, deputy Washington digital editor at NBC News joins us for the update on Bill Clinton and what is next for election day. The race for governor in Virginia and school board races across the country are making education a central issue as critical race theory and Covid rules loom large.

Next, what happens when you order things online and send them back? You may think it makes its way back to the shelf and on its way to another person, but that is rarely true. Oftentimes items make their way to bulk resellers overseas, stripped for parts, or just thrown away. Returns are a big problem for companies that are expected to have generous return policies as a default. These reverse logistics are many times cost prohibitive to deal with. Amanda Mull, staff writer at The Atlantic, joins us for the nasty logistics of returning your online items.

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WEEKEND EDITION- Biden Expands Port of LA Hours, Gov. Greg Abbott Bans Vaccine Mandates, Navy Engineer Busted in Spy Plot Oct 17, 2021

Show notes

This is a compilation of some of the most compelling stories of the week.

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WEEKEND EDITION- Merck’s New COVID Pill, America’s Broken Supply Chain Oct 16, 2021

Show notes

This is a compilation of some of the most compelling stories of the week.

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.