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Pfizer Vaccine Expected to Get Full FDA Approval by Next Month Aug 06, 2021

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The FDA has expedited its timetable for full approval of the Pfizer vaccine hoping to have the process completed by early September. The move to full approval is expected to kick off more vaccination mandates especially for hospital workers, college students and federal workers. Moderna has also filed for full approval, but is still submitting data. Sharon LaFraniere, investigative reporter at the NY Times, joins us for what to know.

Next, Republicans on the House Foreign Affairs Committee have released a report focusing on the origins of the Covid pandemic and zeroed in on the lab leak theory. Citing information about changes in safety protocols and requests for an overhaul of a hazardous waste treatment system, the report says that the virus may have been accidentally released sometime prior to September 2019. Declan Garvey, associate editor at The Dispatch, joins us for this latest report.

Finally, vaccine maker Moderna announced that their Covid shot is 93% effective at preventing infection as much as six months after your second dose. However, Moderna also said that a booster shot might be needed before the winter. We are currently seeing hospital admissions and deaths rise about 40% since last week, but we are also seeing an uptick in people getting their shots. Carolyn Johnson, science reporter at the Washington Post, joins us for more.

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The CDC’s Ban on Evictions Is Causing Confusion and a Little Too Late for Some Aug 05, 2021

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The nationwide moratorium on evictions lapsed just last Saturday, but only a few days later the CDC stepped in and provided an extension for those that live in counties experiencing high or substantial community spread of the virus. This has led to a lot of confusion and worry among those at risk of being evicted. For some, it was a little too late as some were kicked out of their homes already. Abha Bhattarai, business reporter at the Washington Post, joins us for the last minute eviction ban extension.

Next, Arizona is currently giving us a preview of how mask wearing in schools will play out across the country. Arizona is one of at least seven states that have mandated that schools not require mask wearing. Still, with surges in cases and guidance from the CDC, some AZ school districts are defying the order and requiring masks for students and staff. Aydali Campa, education reporter at the WSJ, joins us for the continued fight over masks in school.

Finally, last week we heard that Scarlett Johansson was suing Disney over breach of contract for releasing her latest Black Widow movie on the Disney+ streaming service at the same time as its theatrical release. It’s odd to see lawsuits like this with studios preferring to negotiate, but it’s also another example of the current battle between actors and studios over profits made from streaming. Lucas Shaw, reporter at Bloomberg News joins us for more.

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NY Attorney General Report Concludes Gov. Andrew Cuomo Sexually Harassed Multiple Women, Calls Intensify for Him to Resign Aug 04, 2021

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A much anticipated report from the New York State Attorney General Letitia James, has found that Gov. Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed 11 women, nine of whom are current and former state employees and one who was a New York State trooper assigned to his security detail. The report found that he made inappropriate comments to women and unwanted touching, groping and kissing. In one case, Cuomo and his office even retaliated against a woman who spoke out about how she was treated by the governor. Calls have intensified for him to resign, but Cuomo has remained defiant and refuses to step down. Tom Winter, investigations correspondent at NBC News, joins us for what’s in the report.

Next, a new study looking at the effects of children’s exposure to Disney princesses shows that it isn’t damaging. A debate has persisted that being exposed to the princess culture can negatively impact gender stereotypes in both boys and girls. The first phase of the study found that boys and girls with high engagement with Disney princesses were associated with more female-stereotypical behavior. However, when researchers caught up with those kids 5 years later, the story was not the same. Julie Jargon, Family and tech columnist at the WSJ, joins us for the Great Princess Debate.

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Biden Administration Pushing to Reform State Drug Laws and Cape Cod COVID Outbreak Aug 03, 2021

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The Biden administration wants to reform state drug laws and focus on what’s called “harm reduction,” which promotes safe drug use instead of abstinence and threats of jail time. The Office of National Drug Control Policy will be promoting draft model laws that supports harm reduction programs, increase treatment options, and reform criminal statutes. Dan Vergano, science reporter at BuzzFeed News, joins us for this and also how a Cape Cod Covid outbreak in mostly vaccinated people prompted the CDC to change its mask wearing guidance.

Next, where will the future of booze take us? Spirits are currently going through a revolution where distillers are using new methods and applying them to classic and unfamiliar ingredients. Think of things like marigolds, pasilla peppers, coffee fruits and more. The trend is toward bigger flavors, weird fermentations and more sustainability. But one of the issues with all of these new, weird flavors is how to market them to those that might not be as adventurous as others. Adam Rogers, senior correspondent at Wired, joins us for more.

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Florida Is the New National Epicenter for Covid Cases Aug 02, 2021

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Florida has become the new national epicenter for Covid cases. Over the weekend they had their highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic with 21,683 cases. With an overall vaccination rate of 60%, Gov. Ron DeSantis has refused to implement any new mask mandates or vaccine requirements at a time when other states are beginning to do so. Ginger Gibson, deputy Washngton digital editor at NBC News, joins us for this, the infrastructure bill keeps moving along in the Senate, and news of terrible conditions at a children's migrant shelter in Texas.

Next, it's a seller's market out there and in some cases they are flexing their muscles to squeeze the most out of selling their homes. There have been some unusual demands such as taking all of the kitchen cabinets, mid-range appliances, and even toilets. Sometimes it's for sentimental reasons, but sometimes it's just because they can. Buyers, worn out from bidding wars, just accept the terms. Ronda Kaysen, NYT columnist and co-author of Right at Home, joins us for more.

Finally, trying to make up for lost time due to the pandemic, everyone is getting married and it has become a mad scramble for everything wedding related. With marriages expected to be up by 50% this year, people are trying to do them on expedited timetables and the prices of formalwear, especially those dresses, are going up. Daniela Sirtori-Cortina, reporter at Bloomberg News, joins us for summer marriage madness.

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WEEKEND EDITION- Cannabis Effects on Elite Athletes, US Not Ready to Track Coronavirus Variants Aug 01, 2021

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

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WEEKEND EDITION- Simone Biles and the Twisties, Vaccine Mandates, How to Talk to Vaccine Skeptical Friends and Family Jul 31, 2021

Show notes

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

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President Biden Closer to Bipartisan Win on Infrastructure Bill Jul 30, 2021

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President Biden has come closer to a bipartisan win on his $1 trillion infrastructure plan. 17 Republican senators voted with Democrats to advance the bill that focuses on hard infrastructure like roads, bridges, broadband, and public transit. Biden will still have to manage some Democrats who feel that their priorities have been sacrificed for the sake of bipartisanship. Chris Cadelago, White House correspondent at Politico, joins us for more.

Next, we are still in the middle of summer, but it might be time to start thinking of the holiday shopping season. When it comes to toys, there will be less choices and higher prices. Ocean freight bottlenecks are delaying shipments from China and even getting shipping container space is becoming more expensive, so the costs get absorbed by retailers and consumers. Omar Abdel-Baqui, reporter at the WSJ, joins us for why toy prices are going up.

Finally, despite rising cases of Covid in the unvaccinated, it can be very tough to persuade the vaccine hesitant, it can be even tougher to talking to family and friends. Experts say that the first step is to listen closer. You have to understand their reasons for refusing the shot before trying to convince them. It’s also important to focus on your relationship and de-escalate if things get heated. Derek Hawkins, reporter at the Washington Post, joins us for how to talk to vaccine hesitant friends and family.

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Simone Biles and the ‘Twisties,’ the Mental Block That Can Be Dangerous for Gymnasts Jul 29, 2021

Show notes

In the sports world there is something called the “yips” where athletes unexplainably lose the fundamental skills of their sport and can impact their decision making. In gymnastics, it’s called the “twisties” and it can be especially dangerous. The brain can disconnect from the body and if you’re vaulting in the air and spinning and land wrong, it can be catastrophic. Liz Clarke, sports writer at The Washington Post, joins us for how Simone Biles, among other things, was experiencing the “twisties.”

Next, dino nuggets are definitely having a moment right now. Parents buy them for their young picky eaters and young adults buy them for nostalgia. Major companies are taking note and are even exploring other shapes to add to the “fun nugget” category. Tyson Foods says that they make up 21% of their total nugget sales. Ellen Byron, reporter at the WSJ, joins us for the dino nugget boom.

Finally, mask and vaccine mandates are coming, Covid cases are rising and so is the anger. There is a growing frustration that the vaccinated are having with the unvaccinated as we see the majority of cases are all happening with those refusing the shot. Roni Rabin, health reporter at the NY Times, joins us for all the anger surrounding vaccines.

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Olympic Gymnast Simone Biles Prioritizes Mental Health, Pulls Out of Team Finals Jul 28, 2021

Show notes

Olympic shocker as Team USA gymnast Simone Biles pulled out of the team finals to focus on her mental health. She left the competition after one rotation on the vault in what was originally described as a medical issue. She returned to cheer on her teammates and later opened up about the stress she was feeling. Team USA went on to win a silver medal with the Russian delegation winning gold. Oriana Gonzalez, reporter at Axios, joins us to talk about Simone Biles and the mental health of elite athletes.

Next, the CDC has issued new guidance saying that everyone should wear masks in certain high transmission indoor areas regardless of vaccination status as well as universal masking for schools. This comes as the Delta variant continues to spread throughout the country. Public health officials are also worried that more variants could be on the way and the system to sequence the genetic mutations of the virus isn’t ready to track them. The U.S. is only sequencing about 10% of all Covid cases and more needs to be done so that another variant doesn’t catch us by surprise. Cynthia Koons, health care reporter at Bloomberg News, joins us for more.

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