What A Day

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The Covid Is Coming From Inside The White House May 11, 2020

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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.

It's Not Easy Making Vaccine May 07, 2020

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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.

Don't Be Like Mike May 06, 2020

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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.

Leaky Projectors May 05, 2020

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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.

Businesses Are People Too May 04, 2020

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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.

Mega-Strike May Day May 01, 2020

Show notes

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.

The Incredible Shrinking Economy Apr 30, 2020

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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.

Hamburger Help Us Apr 29, 2020

Show notes

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.

The Great British Vaccine Off with Jon Favreau Apr 28, 2020

Show notes

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.

Trump Gets De-Pressed Apr 27, 2020

Show notes

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.

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