Make Me Smart Senate votes to cut funds for public media, foreign aid
Jul 17, 2025
The Senate's recent approval to cut $9 billion in funding for public media and foreign aid raises questions about bipartisan budgeting practices. There's also a resolution in the Facebook privacy lawsuit linked to Cambridge Analytica, spotlighting serious implications for privacy rights. On a lighter note, a new laser technology claims to zap mosquitoes, merging innovation with fun. Lastly, the podcast delves into diverse supernatural beliefs in America, revealing how demographics influence perspectives on witchcraft and other phenomena.
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Breakdown of Bipartisan Budgeting
- The Senate's rescission package breaks the bipartisan appropriations tradition by undoing previous bipartisan spending decisions.
- This undermines trust and could damage the motivation for future bipartisan budget negotiations.
Facebook Privacy Lawsuit Settled
- Facebook's $8 billion shareholder lawsuit settled just before key testimonies from Mark Zuckerberg and other executives.
- This highlights ongoing struggles for accountability in tech privacy scandals like Cambridge Analytica.
Protect Your Data Vigilantly
- Remain vigilant about your personal data, as privacy protections remain unresolved and evolving.
- Understand that signing up for digital services often comes at a hidden cost to your privacy.