The House Ethics Committee is officially investigating New York Rep. George Santos over whether he broke campaign finance laws. He’s also facing scrutiny over allegations of sexual misconduct from a prospective staffer. Lawmakers are sounding the alarm over TikTok, with some members of Congress calling for a total ban of the video-sharing app in the U.S. TikTok has been under scrutiny for its data privacy practices, and because its parent company is based in China. And in headlines: Tennessee Go...
Mar 03, 2023•22 min
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot lost her re-election bid on Tuesday, becoming the first one-term mayor of the city in 40 years. Lightfoot failed to capture enough votes to make it to the April 4th runoff, in a campaign marked by growing concerns over crime. Drug maker Eli Lilly announced that it would cap the out-of-pocket cost of insulin it makes to $35, bringing relief for the millions of Americans who rely on it to treat diabetes. Vernessa Shih, the story bank director for the U.S. Surgeon Gener...
Mar 02, 2023•21 min
The Supreme Court heard arguments over President Biden’s plan to cancel more than $400 billion in federal student loans, and whether his administration has the authority to do so. We cover the two cases challenging the loan relief program, and how the court's conservative majority responded. And in headlines: a 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey, California ended its statewide coronavirus emergency order, and President Biden announced that he will nominate Julie Su to be the next Se...
Mar 01, 2023•17 min
The Biden administration has promised new measures to crack down on child labor. It follows a recent investigation by the New York Times, which found that many migrant children are being forced to work in dangerous, labor-intensive jobs. Tennessee’s Republican Governor Bill Lee said he will sign House Bill 9, a measure that would ban public drag performances in the state. The law would be the first in the country specifically targeting drag, and comes amid an onslaught of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation...
Feb 28, 2023•22 min
Abortion rights advocates are bracing for a ruling in a case that could revoke the FDA’s decades-old approval of mifepristone — the most common and effective drug used for medication abortions. Dr. Kristyn Brandi, chair of the advocacy group Physicians for Reproductive Health, tells us how the decision could impact access to reproductive care nationwide. And in headlines: at least 59 migrants have died after their boat sank off southern Italy, Israeli and Palestinian officials met in Jordan over...
Feb 27, 2023•20 min
Today marks the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Rolling Stone correspondent Jack Crosbie joins us from Kyiv to reflect on his time covering the conflict. We also check in with Julia Knyupa, a Ukrainian refugee who fled the country on the first day of the invasion, about how her life has changed. And in headlines: federal safety investigators said there was little warning before the Ohio train derailment, R&B singer R. Kelly received more prison time for child sex abuse, and...
Feb 24, 2023•24 min
Wes Moore made history this year when he was sworn in as Maryland’s first Black governor. He joins us to discuss his vision for his home state — and his improbable journey to its highest office. And in headlines: Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner were reportedly subpoenaed by the special counsel investigating the insurrection, Norfolk Southern plans to spend $7.5 billion to buy back its own shares, and National Public Radio announced it will cut 10% of its workforce. Show Notes: What A Day – Honori...
Feb 23, 2023•20 min
President Biden reaffirmed his support for Ukraine during a fiery speech in Poland on Tuesday. His address followed his clandestine trip to Kyiv – and hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Moscow will suspend its participation in the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty with the U.S. Wisconsin voters headed to the polls for the state’s Supreme Court primary — a nonpartisan race that will nevertheless decide the court's ideological majority. Shaniqua McClendon, Crooked...
Feb 22, 2023•24 min
Fisk University made history in January when it became the first historically Black college to launch a women's gymnastics program. Head coach Corrinne Tarver tells us about her journey from being the first Black gymnast to win an all-around NCAA title, to training the next generation of trailblazers. Fisk University made history in January when it became the first historically Black college to launch a women's gymnastics program. Head coach Corrinne Tarver tells us about her journey from being ...
Feb 21, 2023•14 min
Days after three objects were shot down over North American air space, President Biden confirmed they were not linked to Chinese spy activity – and they were taken down out of an abundance of caution. A report from the special grand jury investigating alleged election interference by former President Donald Trump and his allies was partially made public. It found no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election, and concluded that "one or more" witnesses who testified may have committe...
Feb 17, 2023•21 min
It’s been nearly two weeks since a freight train derailed outside of East Palestine, Ohio and the controlled burn of toxic chemicals it was carrying. Though officials say the area is now safe, some residents are afraid to return home, amid worrying signs that toxins may be lingering in the surrounding environment. The CDC says teenage girls in the U.S. are “engulfed” in record-high levels of depression, violence, and trauma. According to a new report, early 3 in 5 said they persistently feel sad...
Feb 16, 2023•22 min
A shooting at Michigan State University Monday night left at least three students dead and five others critically injured. It came on the eve of the fifth anniversary of the Parkland, Florida school shooting, and has, once again, renewed calls for Congress to take on gun control reform. California Senator Dianne Feinstein announced that she will not seek re-election in 2024. As the oldest sitting member of the Senate, Feinstein’s pioneering political career spanned decades – though some have que...
Feb 15, 2023•19 min
For years, transgender activists and journalists have criticized the New York Times and other mainstream news organizations for their inadequate – and harmful – coverage of trans issues. Some of that reporting and opinion writing is now being cited in anti-trans state legislation across the country. Journalist Katelyn Burns, co-host of the Cancel Me, Daddy podcast, breaks down how it has a direct impact on trans livelihoods. And in headlines: tens of thousands of Israelis demonstrated against bi...
Feb 14, 2023•24 min
After the U.S. military downed a Chinese spy balloon over the Atlantic Ocean last week, three more “unidentified aerial objects'' have been shot down in North American airspace since Friday. While we don’t yet know what they were – or where they’re from – lawmakers on both sides of the aisle say they want answers from the Biden administration about its response. And in headlines: the death toll from the Turkey-Syria earthquake reached over 33,000 people, the EPA said a major railway could be lia...
Feb 13, 2023•19 min
It's Super Bowl Sunday! We're pleased to present the latest episode of America Dissected, tackling America's love of what can be a dangerous (and sometimes deadly) sport just in time for the big game. Host Dr. Abdul El-Sayed reflects on his complicated relationship with football, then interviews Garrett Bush, sports commentator and former college football player, who recently went viral over a rant about the sport. Listen and subscribe to America Dissected wherever you get your podcasts...
Feb 12, 2023•59 min
The death toll from the earthquakes that have devastated Turkey and Syria passed 21,000 people on Thursday, with many more injured and without shelter. Dr. Houssam al-Nahhas, a Middle East and North Africa researcher at Physicians for Human Rights, tells us about the difficulties of getting relief to people in both countries. And in headlines: federal officials disclosed more information about the Chinese spy balloon that crossed the U.S. last week, an evacuation order was lifted near the scene ...
Feb 10, 2023•20 min
Despite some combative moments from Republican lawmakers, Tuesday's State of the Union address was meant to deliver a message of unity to a divided Congress. Vice President Kamala Harris spoke to What A Day co-host Juanita Tolliver about some of President Biden's bipartisan wins – and his challenge to Congress to "finish the job." And in headlines: Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy paid a surprise visit to the U.K., Disney announced a massive restructuring plan that will cut 7,000 jobs wor...
Feb 09, 2023•21 min
President Biden delivered the annual State of the Union address Tuesday night, speaking to a divided government amid some swipes and heckling from far-right Republicans. Jon Favreau, co-host of Crooked’s Pod Save America, joins us to unpack the president’s message — and his agenda for the year ahead. And in headlines: the death toll from the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria rose to over 7,700 people, transgender rights activists occupied Oklahoma’s State Capitol to protest attacks on gend...
Feb 08, 2023•18 min
A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake and a series of aftershocks struck Turkey and Syria early Monday, killing thousands of people and devastating a region already grappling with civil war and a refugee crisis. The U.S. military on Saturday shot down a Chinese spy balloon over the Atlantic Ocean, days after it entered American airspace. The incident prompted U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to postpone a trip to China, saying it “undermined” efforts to repair the relationship between the tw...
Feb 07, 2023•20 min
To kick off our series on Black History Month, What A Day host Juanita Tolliver sits down with Veda Tunstall and Emmett Lewis, descendants of enslaved people brought to Alabama aboard the Clotilda, the last known slave ship in American history, and whose stories are featured in the Netflix documentary "Descendant." What A Day is taking a short break, with a new episode on Tuesday, February 7th. Show Notes: Watch ‘Descendant’ | Netflix – https://www.netflix.com/title/81586731 What A Day – YouTube...
Feb 03, 2023•20 min
Tyre Nichols was remembered at a funeral service in Memphis, Tennessee on Wednesday. His family spoke about their grief in the company of political figures from around the country — including civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton, who gave the eulogy, and Vice President Kamala Harris. And in headlines: the College Board unveiled the official curriculum of its AP African American studies course, the Fed said it will raise interest rates by a quarter of a percent, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quart...
Feb 02, 2023•19 min
The Biden administration announced it will end the national and public health emergency declarations for COVID on May 11th, marking a new phase in the government’s response to the pandemic. Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, host of Crooked’s “America Dissected” podcast, tells us about the potential health care consequences of the decision, and the benefits that will likely cease later this year. And in headlines: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in the occupied ...
Feb 01, 2023•21 min
The Manhattan district attorney’s office started presenting evidence to a grand jury about former President Donald Trump’s role in paying hush money to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016. Journalist Andrea Bernstein, who covers democracy for ProPublica and Trump legal matters for NPR, joins us to discuss the investigation – and whether it will bring criminal charges. And in headlines: two more Memphis police officers involved in the violent arrest that led to Tyre Nichols’ death were reli...
Jan 31, 2023•15 min
Memphis authorities released video footage of the violent arrest of Tyre Nichols, who was pulled over during a traffic stop on Jan. 7 and died three days later. The release of the videos triggered nationwide protests over the weekend, and led to Memphis police disbanding the so-called SCORPION crime unit, whose officers are accused of murdering Nichols. And in headlines: Utah became the first state this year to pass a ban on gender-affirming healthcare for trans youth, U.S. Secretary of State An...
Jan 30, 2023•19 min
Five former Memphis police officers have been charged with second degree murder for the killing of Tyre Nichols, a Black man who died days after he was violently arrested on Jan. 7th. Footage of the incident is set to be released Friday night — and lawyers for Nichols’ family, who have seen the video, compared it to the infamous police beating of Rodney King in 1991. And in headlines: Israeli forces killed 9 Palestinians during a raid in the occupied West Bank, the College Board said it will rev...
Jan 27, 2023•21 min
After weeks of pressure, President Biden announced he would send Ukraine M1 Abrams tanks. The decision clears the way for Germany to send over a dozen of their own tanks to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian forces. In an interview with the Associated Press, Pope Francis called laws that criminalize homosexuality “unjust.” It’s the latest statement he's made in support of the LGBTQ+ community — though he maintained the Catholic Church’s view that being gay or lesbian is a sin. And in hea...
Jan 26, 2023•17 min
Fani Willis, the Georgia prosecutor investigating Donald Trump's alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results in that state, said criminal charges are "imminent." During a hearing over whether to unseal a special grand jury's final report on the matter, she argued it should remain secret – for now. The Senate Judiciary Committee held its highly anticipated hearing into Ticketmaster’s parent company, two months after the Taylor Swift ticket sale meltdown. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar...
Jan 25, 2023•21 min
Host Josie Duffy Rice tells us about “Unreformed,” her investigative podcast series about Mt. Meigs — a juvenile reform school outside of Montgomery, Alabama, where thousands of Black children were subjected to abuse for decades. The series follows the stories of former students who were sent to Mt. Meigs as children during the Civil Rights era — and how their time at the facility impacted their lives as adults. And in headlines: the death toll from the mass shooting in Monterey Park, California...
Jan 24, 2023•17 min
The city of Monterey Park, California is reeling after a gunman opened fire inside a dance studio Saturday night, killing 10 people and injuring 10 others. Though authorities have not determined a motive, the mass shooting happened on Lunar New Year’s Eve in one of the largest Asian American communities in the U.S. Sunday marked 50 years since the landmark Roe v. Wade decision – and nearly seven months since the current Supreme Court overturned it. Morgan Hopkins, the president of All Above All,...
Jan 23, 2023•18 min
As expected, the U.S. government ran up against its legal debt limit of $31.381 trillion on Thursday. In response, the Treasury Department sent a letter to Congressional leaders stating that it has started taking “extraordinary measures” to avoid the government defaulting on its financial obligations. The Supreme Court announced that it has been unable to identify who leaked the draft opinion overturning Roe v. Wade last May. Leah Litman, co-host of Crooked’s Strict Scrutiny, tells us more about...
Jan 20, 2023•21 min
