

What A Day
Crooked Media
If you’re looking for hype, fake outrage, and groupthink, kindly keep moving. Our mission at What a Day is simple: to be your guide to what truly matters each morning (and the fun stuff you might have missed) in just 20 minutes. Host Jane Coaston brings you in-depth reporting and substantive analysis on the big stories shaping today and the creeping trends shaping tomorrow—and when she doesn’t know the answers, she asks someone even smarter to fill us all in. Radical, right? New episodes at 5:00 a.m. EST, Monday–Friday in your favorite podcast app and on YouTube. Being informed was never this easy.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 12, 2024 • 27min
The Podcast The NYPD Doesn't Want You To Hear
Edward Caban, the New York Police Commissioner currently under investigation, joins Eric Adams, the Mayor of New York, to discuss the recent federal scrutiny of the NYPD. They delve into the department's long history of scandals, emphasizing systemic corruption and the struggle for accountability. The conversation also touches on challenges facing the police force amid budget constraints. Additionally, cultural observations on internet absurdities bring a humorous spin to serious discussions, highlighting the chaotic interplay of politics and policing in today's society.

Sep 11, 2024 • 23min
Harris Makes Lasting First Impression On Trump
Tommy Vietor, a political analyst and host of Pod Save America and Pod Save the World, joins to dissect the recent debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. They dive into key issues like reproductive rights and immigration, examining Harris's strategic approach amid Trump's conspiratorial rhetoric. Vietor also highlights the debate dynamics and the differing leadership styles, while reflecting on how these discussions shape political narratives. Prepare for insightful commentary peppered with humor!

Sep 10, 2024 • 16min
Harris v Trump: Debate Night
Kamala Harris, the newly minted Vice President and candidate, faces off against former President Donald Trump in a high-stakes debate. Errin Haines, an editor-at-large for The 19th, analyzes the critical strategies Harris must use to win over undecided voters. The discussion touches on Trump's alarming threats regarding election integrity and the political fallout with the NYPD commissioner’s resignation. As both candidates prepare, the episode dives into the contrasting campaign approaches and the debate's potential impact.

Sep 9, 2024 • 14min
Arizona Gets Ready To Vote On Abortion
Chris Love, a dedicated reproductive rights activist and spokesperson for Arizonans for Abortion Access, discusses the pivotal upcoming ballot measure in Arizona to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution. She shares the challenges of mobilizing voters amidst a crowded election context and highlights the coalition's efforts to advocate for access. Love also delves into the broader political landscape, emphasizing the importance of reaching diverse communities and the potential impact of shifting federal policies on state abortion rights.

Sep 7, 2024 • 29min
When Countries Ban Social Media
Brazil's Supreme Court recently suspended access to X, igniting a debate on government censorship and social media's role in inciting violence. The discussion spans countries like Sri Lanka and Turkey, showcasing attempts to balance public safety with free speech. With scrutiny on tech giants and their treatment of oppressive regimes, the concern grows over the implications of these bans on global free speech. Listeners ponder whether governments can be trusted to regulate online interactions while addressing the challenges social media companies face in compliance.

Sep 6, 2024 • 24min
Trump Alienates His Base With Flip Flopping On Reproductive Rights
Vice President Kamala Harris kicks off a reproductive freedom bus tour through swing states, highlighting the stakes of abortion rights in the upcoming election. Shefali Luthra discusses how Trump's fluctuating stance on reproductive healthcare displeases his conservative base and alienates voters. Meanwhile, Jane Coaston examines Arizona's political shift from John McCain’s party to a hub of election denialism. The conversation digs deep into the implications of these dynamics for both Trump and the Republican Party as they prepare for pivotal elections.

Sep 5, 2024 • 25min
Another School Shooting: 'It Doesn't Have To Be This Way'
Georgia police on Wednesday said four people were killed, and nine others were taken to the hospital with injuries after a shooting at Apalachee High School outside of Atlanta. Police identified the alleged shooter as a 14-year-old student at the school. Natalie Fall, the executive director of March For Our Lives, talks about how gun safety advocates are responding to the latest school tragedy.A new poll from CNN/SSRS shows Vice President Kamala Harris with a lead in the vital swing states of Michigan and Wisconsin and in a statistical tie with former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Georgia. As the nation prepares to potentially make Harris the first Indian American president in U.S. history, WAD host Priyanka Arabindi sat down with members of her own family to do exactly what you're not supposed to do at a big family gathering: talk about politics!And in headlines: The Biden administration is planning to make it harder to end a restrictive asylum policy that was supposed to be temporary, the Department of Justice said it had disrupted Russian efforts to meddle in the upcoming election, and Montana's Republican Senate nominee Tim Sheehy was caught on tape making racist comments about Native Americans.Show Notes:Check out March For Our Lives – https://marchforourlives.org/Take the AP's Gen Alpha Quiz – https://tinyurl.com/bdedmazzSubscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/3kk4nyz8What A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcastFollow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday

Sep 4, 2024 • 18min
The Gender Gap Is Widening In The 2024 Election
Vice President Kamala Harris, the first female VP of the U.S., and former President Donald Trump discuss the widening gender gap in the upcoming election. Harris holds a significant lead among women voters, while Trump appeals to men, showing a notable shift among white women. The conversation delves into how issues like reproductive rights and education are reshaping women's engagement in politics. Additionally, Trump's ongoing legal battles and global headlines, including the situation in Ukraine, add to the multifaceted political landscape.

Sep 3, 2024 • 22min
Wars In Gaza, Ukraine Grind On With New Obstacles For Ceasefire
Mass protests erupted in Israel following the recovery of six hostages, leading to a national strike and tense political climate. Prime Minister Netanyahu remains firm despite calls for a ceasefire. In Ukraine, Russian assaults continue, with President Zelensky acknowledging challenges in diverting troops from the frontline. The discussion also touches on political campaigns in the U.S. and Brazil's Supreme Court ruling against misinformation on social media. Finally, the remarkable achievement of Valentina Petrillo, the first openly transgender woman in the Paralympics, is celebrated.

Aug 31, 2024 • 30min
Cities’ Big Plans to Climate-Proof for the Future
As 2024 threatens to be a record-breaking hot year, urban areas are exploring innovative solutions to combat rising temperatures. From shade shelters in Boston to green infrastructures in Phoenix, cities are finding ways to promote equity and climate justice. Hoboken's clever water management strategies post-Hurricane Sandy showcase resilience against storm surges. Creative community incentives are emerging to motivate residents to take action for a better urban life, blending humor and serious insights.