What A Day

Ashley Gold, a senior tech and policy reporter at Axios, dives into Nvidia's controversial deal with the U.S. government where they'll share 15% of profits from AI chip sales to China. Gold likens this arrangement to a mob-like protective scheme, raising alarms about national security risks and corporate influence. The discussion also touches on the evolving dynamics between tech and politics, particularly under the Trump administration, and highlights the implications of international meetings and state-level political maneuvers.

In a riveting discussion, Julia Ioffe, a founding member of Puck News and a seasoned expert in Russian politics, breaks down the upcoming Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. She explores the delicate political dynamics at play and the implications of Trump’s insistence on a ceasefire amidst ongoing hostilities in Ukraine. Ioffe analyzes the motivations of both leaders and the evolving narratives in Russian media, shedding light on the complex nature of international relations during turbulent times.

Brandon Scott, the Democratic Mayor of Baltimore and vocal advocate for his city, joins to discuss President Trump's inflammatory remarks targeting majority-minority cities. He critiques the president's rhetoric as a distraction from local governance, contrasting it with declining crime rates in those areas. Scott emphasizes the resilience of Black communities amid systemic challenges and underscores the importance of community-led responses to crime. The conversation sheds light on the roles of Democratic mayors as they navigate political narratives while prioritizing public safety.

Matthew Chance, CNN's Chief Global Affairs Correspondent, joins from Jerusalem to discuss the unfolding crisis in Gaza. He delves into the uproar against Netanyahu's takeover of Gaza City and the intense protests erupting in Tel Aviv. Chance also highlights the tragic death toll among Palestinians and the risks posed by targeting journalists in the conflict. With international criticism mounting, he sheds light on the challenges of military strategies in densely populated areas and the dire humanitarian situation that compounds the complexities of the war.

Historian Garrett Graff, author of 'The Devil Reached Toward the Sky,' brings us deep insights into the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, discussing the lessons we still haven’t learned. He examines the Manhattan Project's moral complexities and shares poignant survivor stories, emphasizing the urgent need for nuclear disarmament. The conversation also draws unsettling parallels to today's political tensions, particularly the looming threats posed by current global conflicts, including the uneasy dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine situation.

Dr. Fiona Havers, an infectious disease expert and former CDC vaccine policy advisor, discusses the alarming decision by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to cancel $500 million in mRNA vaccine development grants. She highlights the critical role of mRNA technology in combating diseases, the dangerous implications of misinformation, and the broader public health risks that arise from undermining vaccine innovation. The conversation serves as a wake-up call on vaccine accessibility and the importance of advocacy in these tumultuous times.

Melissa Shepard, the Director of Legal Services at the Immigrant Defenders Law Center, joins to shed light on the harrowing stories from El Salvador's CECOT prison. She discusses the traumatic experiences of deported Venezuelan men, including Andry José Hernández Romero, who faced harassment due to his sexual orientation. The conversation highlights systemic injustices, wrongful labeling of asylum seekers, and ongoing legal battles for justice. The emotional toll on families and the fight for identity within a broken system are powerfully articulated in this eye-opening discussion.

Rick Hasen, an election law expert from UCLA, dives into the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. He discusses the ongoing threats to this pivotal legislation, particularly recent Supreme Court decisions that could erode its protections. Hasen emphasizes the contentious redistricting battles that pit red states against blue ones, revealing how these legal challenges impact voter representation. Despite its historical significance, he highlights the urgent need for continued advocacy to defend the progress achieved in voting rights.

Heidi Shierholz, President of the Economic Policy Institute and former chief economist at the Department of Labor under President Obama, dives into the controversy surrounding the Bureau of Labor Statistics after its head was fired over a ‘rigged’ jobs report. She discusses the implications of leadership changes on data integrity and sheds light on the challenges of accurate labor reporting. Political tactics and the narrative shifts from the Trump administration are examined, revealing a chaotic backdrop to economic concerns and trust in government data.

Yair Rosenberg, a staff writer at The Atlantic, delves into the intricate relationship between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the far-right factions in his coalition. He discusses how this 'corrupt bargain' influences Israel's military actions in Gaza, particularly against a backdrop of growing dissent from the Israeli public and human rights organizations. Rosenberg highlights the precariousness of Netanyahu's government and the radical ambitions driving the ongoing conflict, shedding light on the tension between hostages' families calling for peace and the administration's hardline policies.