We're Not Wrong

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.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:16:08 - New Pandemic?!00:42:27 - Billion Dollar Ballroom01:05:32 - Emails01:27:29 - Wrap-up

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?Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:17:26 - Spirit Airlines00:47:43 - US-Germany Pullout01:05:21 - Emails01:34:54 - Wrap-up

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?Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:23:53 - Microlooting00:48:27 - SPLC Indicted01:07:32 - Emails01:12:09 - Wrap-up

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.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro and Gerrymandering00:34:16 - "Monitoring the Situation"00:59:51 - Michael Jackson01:12:21 - Emails01:29:18 - Wrap-up

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.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:17:39 - Eric Swalwell00:48:39 - Viktor Orbán01:16:29 - Emails01:31:20 - Wrap-up

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?Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:11:50 - Afroman00:42:51 - Kanye West01:07:13 - Emails01:27:09 - Wrap-up

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?Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:03:52 - Global Developments (Mostly Iran)00:42:44 - Social Media and Democracy01:14:14 - Disney Adults01:38:01 - Emails01:50:50 - Wrap-up

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."Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:11:03 - Iran00:22:54 - DHS Shutdown00:47:14 - Millennial Feminism01:11:36 - Emails01:53:55 - Wrap-up

The gang breaks down Arizona’s lawsuit against prediction market platform Kalshi, which the state says is illegally operating as a gambling business by allowing bets on elections and sports. Kalshi argues its contracts are federally regulated financial products, setting up a broader fight over whether states can police prediction markets at all. Then they turn to what some are calling an “intimacy crisis,” as fewer Americans form relationships and loneliness rises despite humans being wired for connection. With dating apps, economic stress, and online culture all playing a role, they ask whether modern life is pulling people away from real relationships.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:11:12 - Prediction Markets00:46:00 - Intimacy Crisis01:14:42 - Emails01:36:08 - Wrap-up