Mega-Strike May Day
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 Switzer...
21m May 01, 2020
21m
The Incredible Shrinking Economy
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 ea...
17m Apr 30, 2020
17m
Hamburger Help Us
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 wha...
22m Apr 29, 2020
22m
The Great British Vaccine Off with Jon Favreau
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, wh...
18m Apr 28, 2020
18m
Trump Gets De-Pressed
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 ...
17m Apr 27, 2020
17m
The Mitch Get Mitcher
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 Orga...
16m Apr 24, 2020
16m
Whistleblow While You Work From Home
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 dif...
21m Apr 23, 2020
21m
Trump's Red Light on Green Cards
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,...
17m Apr 22, 2020
17m
Mind Your Small Business
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 ...
16m Apr 21, 2020
16m
You Can't Always Test Who You Want
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 ...
18m Apr 20, 2020
18m
Full Contact Tracing
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 exacerba...
22m Apr 17, 2020
22m
Stimulus Check, Please!
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 ...
13m Apr 16, 2020
13m
Governors Of The World, Unite!
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 loc...
15m Apr 15, 2020
15m
Leftward Joe with Rep. Ilhan Omar
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 ...
21m Apr 14, 2020
21m
Minding The Race Gap
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...
15m Apr 13, 2020
15m
Viruses Are Taking Our Jobs
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...
16m Apr 10, 2020
16m
Exit Sandman
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: Nic...
21m Apr 09, 2020
21m
Relief Reloaded with Rep. Pramila Jayapal
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 octago...
15m Apr 08, 2020
15m
Wisconsin's Pandemic Primary
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 corona...
17m Apr 07, 2020
17m
Locked Up During Lockdown
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...
24m Apr 06, 2020
24m
The View From The ICU
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...
22m Apr 03, 2020
22m
Repro Rights Are An Essential Service
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 reope...
19m Apr 02, 2020
19m
Curve Your Enthusiasm
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 cur...
22m Apr 01, 2020
22m
When They Furlough, We Go High
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 Ama...
23m Mar 31, 2020
23m
When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Mutual Aid
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 ...
20m Mar 30, 2020
20m
Live From The Epicenter
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 ...
23m Mar 27, 2020
23m
What's In The Rescue Bill With Sen. Sherrod Brown
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 L...
24m Mar 26, 2020
24m
Letters From The War On Covid-19
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 ...
18m Mar 25, 2020
18m
Don't Slow My Scroll
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 i...
21m Mar 24, 2020
21m
The Sick And The Testless
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...
21m Mar 23, 2020
21m
An Epidemiologist Answers Covid-19 Questions (Part 2)
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 t...
22m Mar 20, 2020
22m
Talking Cash With Cory Booker
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 arche...
21m Mar 19, 2020
21m
If You Have A Stalled Economy And Need Cash Now
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...
19m Mar 18, 2020
19m
Pandemocracy!
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 diff...
29m Mar 17, 2020
29m
The Social Distancing Network
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...
19m Mar 16, 2020
19m
An Epidemiologist Clears Up Covid-19
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,...
23m Mar 13, 2020
23m
So... What's The Plandemic?
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 Presi...
18m Mar 12, 2020
18m
Here We Joe Again
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 ...
16m Mar 11, 2020
16m
The Economy Catches Coronavirus
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...
18m Mar 10, 2020
18m
Campaigning In The Time Of Coronavirus
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 ...
16m Mar 09, 2020
16m
You’re Gonna Liz Me When I’m Gone
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 ...
17m Mar 06, 2020
17m
No Test For The Sicked
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 ...
16m Mar 05, 2020
16m
They Joe Up So Fast
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 elect...
16m Mar 04, 2020
16m
Votin’ Up On A Tuesday
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...
16m Mar 03, 2020
16m
Don’t You (Forget About Pete)
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, w...
18m Mar 02, 2020
18m
Biden Bets on South Carolina
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 Wuha...
18m Feb 28, 2020
18m
Czar You There Mike Pence? It's Me, Coronavirus
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 wo...
15m Feb 27, 2020
15m
Dems Debate In The Palmetto State
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 favor...
18m Feb 26, 2020
18m
That's A Wrap On Harvey Weinstein
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 a...
14m Feb 25, 2020
14m
I Felt The Bern In Reno
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 spread...
16m Feb 24, 2020
16m