Podcast Summary
Unexpected sources of information: During significant events, we can receive information from unexpected sources, like family members or radio listeners, reminding us of our interconnectedness
No matter what you're doing or where you are during significant events, you'll likely hear about them from unexpected sources. Kai, a Marketplace contributor, shared his experience of learning about the attempted assassination of President Trump while at home with his new cat, thanks to a text from his mother. Kimberly Adams, the host, also mentioned receiving a notification from her mother during a critical moment in American politics. Meanwhile, on the radio, listeners called in to express their feelings about the event on CSPAN. These anecdotes remind us that we're all connected, even during unexpected and significant moments, and that information can come from the most unlikely places. If you're no longer able to drive your car as well as you used to, consider donating it to Marketplace. The proceeds will support the programs you love. Visit Marketplace.org/vehicle to start the process.
RNC insights, Florida judge ruling: The RNC will shed light on the campaign strategy, while a Florida judge's surprising ruling dismisses the classified documents case against former President Trump.
The political landscape remains volatile, with conspiracy theories and accusations fueling tensions. The upcoming RNC will provide insights into how the campaign will unfold. A surprising development came from Florida, where a judge dismissed the classified documents case against former President Trump using a long-shot legal argument. The debate over whether Democrats went too far with their rhetoric towards Trump and the comparison to violent rhetoric from the Trump campaign and supporters is complex, as the context and implications are vastly different.
Classified documents: The mishandling of classified documents by individuals, even those with political power, can undermine the rule of law and raise concerns about equal application of justice.
The handling of classified documents by certain individuals, even those with political power, raises concerns about the rule of law and the equal application of justice. The recent events surrounding the discovery of classified documents in an unsecured location have sparked discussions about the implications for our democracy and the potential for incitement to violence. While it's important to recognize that anyone with a vendetta and emotional instability can take things too far, it's not out of line to acknowledge the evidence of potential law-breaking and the inconsistency in the legal system's response. It's also essential to acknowledge that there have been instances of violent rhetoric from certain political sides, and it's crucial for all parties to work towards reducing temperature and promoting peaceful dialogue.
Eviction surge: Eviction surges have occurred in numerous cities, with Phoenix filing over 8,000 eviction notices in January 2023, the highest ever. Unpaid rent is the primary cause, with rents increasing during the pandemic. Consequences include family harm, job losses, and negative mental health effects.
Evictions have surged in many parts of the country since before the pandemic, with some cities experiencing over 35% increase. This is according to the Eviction Lab at Princeton University. For instance, in Phoenix, over 8,000 eviction notices were filed in January 2023, which is the highest ever in a single month. The main cause of eviction is unpaid rent, and rents have significantly increased during the pandemic, making it harder for renters to afford housing. About a quarter of renter households now spend over 50% of their income on rent, which is considered unaffordable. Property management software that automates parts of the eviction process may be contributing to this trend. The consequences of evictions are severe, including long-term harm to families, job losses, and negative effects on mental health and children's well-being. The waiting lists for rental assistance programs, such as housing vouchers, are also long. This is a concerning trend that requires attention.
Malaria vaccine: A new malaria vaccine with an efficacy rate of up to 80% and a cost of $4 per dose has been deployed in Africa, aiming to produce 100 million doses annually, potentially reducing malaria-related deaths, particularly among children under five.
While the waiting lists for housing vouchers continue to be a long and arduous process for those in need, there is promising news on the horizon in the field of science. The first malaria shots from the world's largest vaccine maker have been deployed in Africa, providing hope for families in the continent where the disease takes the lives of over 600,000 people per year. The vaccine, which costs only $4 a dose, has already produced 25 million doses and aims to scale up production to 100 million doses annually. With an efficacy rate of up to 80% a year after the fourth dose, this vaccine could make a significant impact in reducing malaria-related deaths, particularly among children under five who bear the brunt of the disease. Despite the ongoing challenges in securing housing support and the end of pandemic financial assistance, this scientific breakthrough serves as a reminder of the progress being made in addressing global health issues.
Electronic waste recycling: The US Dept. of Energy launched a program to make it easier for consumers to recycle old rechargeable devices and batteries at Staples and Battery Plus stores, preventing toxic chemicals from harming the environment and reducing the need for new production of valuable materials.
The US Department of Energy is launching a new program to make it easier for consumers to recycle their old rechargeable devices and batteries. This initiative will fund over 1,000 collection sites at Staples and Battery Plus stores, allowing people to drop off their old devices and prevent toxic chemicals from harming the environment. Additionally, recycling these batteries can help reduce the need for new production of valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite, which are essential for the energy transition. With this new program, it's now more convenient than ever to responsibly dispose of old electronics and batteries.
Community Impact, Kindness: Focus on making a positive impact through volunteering, helping neighbors, and spreading kindness to combat division in society, especially during emotionally charged times.
Despite the challenges of our current economic and social climate, it's important to find ways to give back to our communities and practice kindness towards each other. Parking costs may vary when choosing to shop in person or online, but the true cost lies in the potential division of society. To combat this, we can focus on making a positive impact, whether it's through volunteering, helping neighbors, or simply spreading kindness. The president of the Society for Human Resource Management emphasized the importance of being civil to each other, especially at work, during these emotionally charged times. So, let's take action, make a difference, and improve our democracy, from the local to the federal level. Tune in tomorrow for a deep dive conversation with Emily Amick, a lawyer and co-author of "Democracy in Retrograde," about turning feelings of hopelessness into meaningful action.
Animal needs: Providing water for animals during hot weather is a simple yet effective way to help them in our communities, emphasizing the importance of considering their needs in our environment.
Learning from this episode of Make Me Smart is the importance of considering the needs of all creatures in our environment. The producers of the show reminded us to put out water for squirrels during hot weather, emphasizing the small yet significant ways we can help animals in our communities. This simple act of kindness can make a big difference for these creatures, and serves as a reminder to be mindful of the world around us. The team behind Make Me Smart includes Courtney Birdseeker (producer), Charlton Thorpe (engineer), Ellen Ralthus (newsletter writer), Marisa Cabrera (senior producer), Bridget Bodner (director of podcasts), and Francesca Levy (executive director of digital).