Fed Versus Blue

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

27 Apr 202017min

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 China is also giving the World Health Organization a much-needed 30 million dollars now that the US has withdrawn funding. And in headlines: tornadoes batter the south, virus-sniffing dogs, and bikers descend on a sandy skatepark. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

24 Apr 202016min

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 difficulties of taking the classroom online. And in headlines: Trump pops off about boats in Iran, Netflix sees big numbers under lockdown, and M.I.A.’s Vogue feature gets pulled due to very questionable takes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

23 Apr 202021min

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, hospitals and testing, but doesn’t address hazard pay or vote-by-mail -- issues that Dems have been pushing for.And in headlines: Joe Biden’s fundraising numbers, Idris Elba’s bad quarantine idea, and a major comedy theatre closes its doors in NYC. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

22 Apr 202017min

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 now.And in headlines: the Supreme Court knocks down split jury convictions, John Stamos has a Dumbo, and Whole Foods' anti-unionization map is revealed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

21 Apr 202016min

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 mass shooting in Nova Scotia, Kim Jong-un denies “nice note,” and San Clemente sands its skatepark.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

20 Apr 202018min

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 exacerbated bigotry. We discuss how this is manifesting in China, where the government is suggesting that foreign visitors are the main risk to the health of Chinese citizens. And we're joined by comedian and writer Caroline Goldfarb for headlines: Fashion Nova’s bad text, Keystone XL pipeline hits a setback, and Cory Booker’s quarantine binge-watch. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

17 Apr 202022min

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 states. But polls show they are in the minority.And in headlines: universities are dropping standardized testing requirements for fall applicants, retirees discover lost apples, and Reese Witherspoon’s dress company bungles a giveaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

16 Apr 202013min