With hantavirus the talk of the town, the gang examines whether it's actually at risk of becoming a new COVID-like pandemic — spoiler: it's not — as well as the hype cycle around this sort of terrifying news that drives clicks. They also dive into the latest developments in Trump's quest for a White House ballroom, as $1 billion Secret Service funding requests begin to raise eyebrows.

Chapters

00:00:00 - Intro

00:16:08 - New Pandemic?!

00:42:27 - Billion Dollar Ballroom

01:05:32 - Emails

01:27:29 - Wrap-up

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The gang discusses the closure of Spirit Airlines, which shuttered over the weekend following several bankruptcies, a failed merger with JetBlue, spiking oil prices, and a general frustration from flyers for decades. Which one of these factors played the largest role in the death of Spirit? They discuss. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is continuing to shrink its footprint in Europe, with another 5,000 troops set to leave Germany behind. Is it time for Europe's defense to be more Europe-centric, or is this the US once again abandoning allies under Trump?

Chapters

00:00:00 - Intro

00:17:26 - Spirit Airlines

00:47:43 - US-Germany Pullout

01:05:21 - Emails

01:34:54 - Wrap-up

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Hot off a controversial appearance in the New York Times opinion page, the gang discusses the concept of "microlooting." Spurred on by comments made by podcasters Nadja Spiegelman and Jia Tolentino, as well as political streamer Hasan Piker, the crew wonders whether there's any case in which "microlooting" can be justified, or if it's actually just hurting leftist causes. Then they turn to the SPLC's recent indictment over accusations that paying informants within targeted hate groups actually counts as funding these hate groups — and, in doing so, constitutes fraud. Compelling case, or obvious reach?

Chapters

00:00:00 - Intro

00:23:53 - Microlooting

00:48:27 - SPLC Indicted

01:07:32 - Emails

01:12:09 - Wrap-up

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The gang discusses the newly-developed "Monitoring the Situation" livestream, an X-hosted 24/7 live feed designed to serve as an alternative to traditional media. Backed by Andreesen Horowitz, is "Monitoring the Situation" something you need in your life, or just another way to stay glued to your phone. They then discuss the new Michael Jackson biopic, which was forced to undergo a full rework in post-production to avoid discussing the pop star's sexual allegations, and ask whether a movie about MJ should be forced to reckon with that chapter in his life.

Chapters

00:00:00 - Intro and Gerrymandering

00:34:16 - "Monitoring the Situation"

00:59:51 - Michael Jackson

01:12:21 - Emails

01:29:18 - Wrap-up

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The gang reacts to the rapid fall of Eric Swalwell, who went from sitting Congressman and the Democratic (and, therefore, overall leading) frontrunner for governor of California to resigning over multiple sexual misconduct allegations. They then turn their attention to Viktor Orbán, who leaves power after 16 years following his recent loss in Hungary's election.

Chapters

00:00:00 - Intro

00:17:39 - Eric Swalwell

00:48:39 - Viktor Orbán

01:16:29 - Emails

01:31:20 - Wrap-up

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The gang discusses Afroman's elevated status following his recent win in a high-profile defamation lawsuit involving Adams County police officers. Is the rapper actually a First Amendment hero, or is there more to this case than you might think? They then turn their attention to another rapper — Kayne West — who recently found himself banned from entering the UK to perform at a local festival, resulting in that festival being canceled. Did the UK overstep, or is this merely the consequences of years of Ye's antisemitic behavior?

Chapters

00:00:00 - Intro

00:11:50 - Afroman

00:42:51 - Kanye West

01:07:13 - Emails

01:27:09 - Wrap-up

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The gang discusses new polling showing heavy social media users are less committed to the concept of democracy, raising questions about whether online life is distorting reality or just revealing deeper cracks. Then they pivot to “Disney adults,” a high-spending, status-driven fandom that fuels Disney’s success while drawing ridicule. Is it harmless escapism or something more unsettling?

Chapters

00:00:00 - Intro

00:03:52 - Global Developments (Mostly Iran)

00:42:44 - Social Media and Democracy

01:14:14 - Disney Adults

01:38:01 - Emails

01:50:50 - Wrap-up

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The gang talks through the ongoing problems facing travelers as TSA delays continue to build up. With the Democrats balking at their initial proposal in order to ask for additional ICE restrictions, what solution — if any — can we find to this DHS shutdown? Then they discuss a new piece in The Atlantic arguing that former Jezebel writer Lindy West's new memoir marks the end of "millennial feminism."

Chapters

00:00:00 - Intro

00:11:03 - Iran

00:22:54 - DHS Shutdown

00:47:14 - Millennial Feminism

01:11:36 - Emails

01:53:55 - Wrap-up

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