The Daily Dive

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Fight Over Vaccine Passports and Florida Wastewater Disaster Apr 08, 2021

Show notes

Vaccine passports have become another contentious issue in the country as governors in Texas and Florida have signed orders banning them in their states with the argument that it will reduce individual freedom and harm patient privacy. Still, many private companies are planning to move forward with requiring proof of vaccination before using their services or going to see live sports. Jordan Davidson, staff writer at The Federalist, joins us for more on the fight against vaccine passports.

Next, Florida has been going through an ecological disaster this past week at the Piney Point phosphate plant in Manatee County. A leaking reservoir threatened to break releasing millions of gallons of wastewater into the nearby area. Instead, 165 million gallons were released into Tampa Bay. This wastewater is not radioactive, but is full of nitrogen and phosphorus which could lead to an algal bloom that could kill off fish in the area. Zach Sampson, environment reporter at the Tampa Bay Times, joins us for what the plan is to dispose of the rest of this wastewater and how taxpayers could be on the hook for millions.

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State and Local Governments Eased Many Regulations During the Pandemic, Now Comes to Fight to Keep Them Permanent Apr 07, 2021

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In an effort to help people social distance and businesses to stay afloat, many state and local governments across the country relaxed regulations over cocktails-to-go, telehealth and other medical services, even document notarization and marijuana sales. Now that the country is starting to open back up in earnest, many want to keep these changes permanent because it adds more convenience and access to consumers, while others want to go back to pre-pandemic regulations saying if it wasn’t a necessity before the pandemic, why should it continue? Aaron Zitner, reporter at the WSJ, joins us for the fight to abandon regulations eased under Covid.

Next, NFTs or non-fungible tokens are all the rage right now as many are making money selling digital artwork and other digital items, but there is a growing climate controversy surrounding them. These NFTs are partially responsible for millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions that is generated by the cryptocurrencies used to buy and sell them. One of the major players in this is the cryptocurrency Ethereum which is built on a system that is incredibly energy hungry. Justine Calma, science reporter at The Verge, joins us for more.

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Are Movie Theaters Ready for Their Comeback? The Box Office Just Posted Its Best Sales Since the Pandemic Began Apr 06, 2021

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Are movie theaters ready for their comeback? Over the holiday weekend “Godzilla vs. Kong” hit it big at the box office posting the best numbers since the pandemic began and sent a signal to the entertainment industry that pent-up demand is there. The good showing happened despite the title also being released for streaming on HBO Max. Erich Schwartzel, reporter at the WSJ, joins us for what to look out for as we get closer to the summer movie season full of pandemic delayed releases.

Next, retail pharmacies are a huge part of the administration’s plan to get the country vaccinated, but privacy watchdogs are raising red flags and want oversight into how these pharmacies might be using personal information to boost profits. In many cases, to sign up for your vaccine, you may need to hand over phone numbers, emails, and even more personal data as these companies are looking at how to convert people into long-term customers. Mohana Ravindranath, eHealth reporter at Politico joins us for more.

Finally, a heads up on a very lucrative career opportunity filled with sun and sand. In 2019, the latest year we have data for, the top paid lifeguards in Los Angeles earned up to $329,000. Now, these are not pool lifeguards or part-timers hanging at the beach guard towers, but captains and chiefs. Still, some of these salaries can be eye-popping mostly due to overtime. Adam Andrzejewski, senior contributor to Forbes, gives us details on the top paid lifeguards.

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President Biden's $2 Trillion Plan to Focus on Infrastructure, Pay for It With Corporate Taxes Apr 05, 2021

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President Biden has detailed his American Jobs Plan. A $2 trillion jobs and infrastructure plan focused on rebuilding 20,000 miles of roads, expanding access to clean water, broadband, extra care for the elderly and more. While infrastructure usually gets bipartisan support, this will be a tough sell because of the high price tag and how to pay for it, with increased taxes on corporations. Ginger Gibson, deputy Washington digital editor at NBC News, joins us for what’s in the plan.

Next, the pandemic flipped the educational system upside down last year. It changed so much for students, but also made it difficult for teachers. Making worse a trend that was already happening before the pandemic, fewer students are wanting to pursue teaching. Low-pay was already making people think twice, but now, add in the perceived increase in risk. Emma Goldberg, reporter at the NY Times, joins us for more.

Finally, as the country slowly gets back to normal, people are ready to party again. Bar and restaurant owners are getting prepared for an influx of patrons ready to get wild and the hottest thing to put on your dating profile right now is that vaccination selfie. Lisa Bonos, reporter at The Washington Post, joins us for the party comeback and a possible roaring 2020s.

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WEEKEND EDITION- Neurological Difficulties From COVID and How Smugglers Are Bringing More Children to the Border Apr 05, 2021

Show notes

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

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WEEKEND EDITION- Derek Chauvin Trial, Report on COVID Origins, Rep. Matt Gaetz Scandal Apr 03, 2021

Show notes

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

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Derek Chauvin Trial Underway With Week Full of Video and Emotional Testimony Apr 02, 2021

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So far, the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer charged with murder in the death of George Floyd, has been very emotional. We have been shown lots of video of the incident and heard from compelling witnesses to the scene. Prosecutors are trying to argue excessive use of force and the defense will say that Mr. Floyd’s death was the result of heart disease and drug use. Shawna Chen, reporter at Axios, joins us for what we have seen so far in this trial expected to last about a month.

Next, many large companies are formulating their return-to-work plans as more people are getting vaccinated and it’s shaping up to be a hybrid model, with time split between the office and working from home. Some experts think this could pose extra challenges like giving preferential treatment to workers in the office, among other things. Jena McGregor, writer at The Washington Post, joins us for how the hybrid office is here to stay.

Finally, keep that vaccination card handy, because it could be useful in getting some freebies. Companies are supporting efforts to get more people vaccinated and drum up some new business by offering a free doughnut a day in the case of Krispy Kreme or free joints in the case of one dispensary. Charles Passy, writer at the WSJ, joins us for more.

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Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz Under DOJ Investigation for Alleged Relationship With Underage Girl Apr 01, 2021

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Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz is currently under investigation by the Dept. of Justice for an alleged sexual relationship with a 17 year old girl and possibly paying for her to travel across state lines. Gaetz, for his part, denies the allegations and says that this is all part of a $25 million extortion plot by a former DOJ official. Philip Bump, national correspondent at The Washington Post, joins us for what we know about this investigation.

Next, a new study by Pfizer shows that their vaccine is 100% effective against symptomatic Covid-19 in 12 to 15 year olds. There were over 2,200 adolescents involved in the study and all will be followed for two years to track long-term effectiveness and safety. More studies are also being done to test vaccine effectiveness in younger age ranges. Karen Weintraub, health reporter at USA Today, joins us for more.

Finally, DoorDash and other food delivery apps were a life-line for many restaurants that were trying to stay open during pandemic. But in return for doing business with these apps, commission fees were imposed in the 20-30% range of the total order. Some states and cities imposed caps on these commissions, but DoorDash just tacked on other fees directly to consumers. Cyrus Farivar, investigative tech reporter at NBC News, joins us for the fight against delivery commission fees.

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How and Why Smugglers Are Bringing More Children to the U.S. Border, for Some Its a Family Business Mar 31, 2021

Show notes

The surge of migrants at the border continues and is expected to possibly last 7 months as projections for September by Customs and Border Protection is anywhere from 22,000-25,000 migrants crossing the border. The administration is trying to get control over the situation, but the message is not reaching migrants and smugglers. Reuters spoke to over a dozen self-identified smugglers to see how and why unaccompanied minors are crossing the border. In many cases, these smuggling operations can cost thousands for migrants, as they are transported by a variety of ways, even by plane. Laura Gottesdiener, Reuters correspondent based in Mexico, joins us for more.

Next, a recent study is shedding light on the neurological difficulties some are having months after a Covid infection. These issues were even present in many that did not have severe cases of coronavirus. The most common issues were brain fog, headaches, tingling, and muscle pain. As is with many Covid problems, scientists think it is related to the inflammation caused in the body when trying to fight off the virus. Pam Belluck, health and science reporter at the NY Times, joins us for these neurological Covid issues that linger.

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Pfizer and Moderna Vaccines Tested in Real-Life Conditions With Front Line Workers Show 90% Effectiveness Against COVID Mar 30, 2021

Show notes

A new study conducted by the CDC that followed about 4,000 health care personnel, police, firefighters, and other essential workers found that under real-life conditions, both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are 90% effective after your second dose. Good news that is significant because these were all front-line workers who are more likely to be exposed to the virus. Lena Sun, health reporter at The Washington Post, joins us for more on vaccine effectiveness.

Next, the long awaited report into the origins of Covid-19 has arrived, but unfortunately it still leaves key questions unanswered. The most likely scenario is that the virus jumped from bats, to a still unknown intermediary animal, and then to humans. The findings may still be called into question as the investigators had little power to conduct an impartial investigation without Chinese influence. Drew Hinshaw, reporter at the WSJ, joins us for what we know about the WHO report.

Finally, there is a mysterious disease killing young black bears in California. Bears normally shy away from humans, and one of the symptoms is a new found fearlessness. The disease causes the bears brains to become inflamed and could be related to some new viruses found in bears with these symptoms. Ryan Sabalow, reporter at the Sacramento Bee, joins us for the curious illness affecting bears.

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