What A Day

Amy Coney Barrett was officially confirmed as a Supreme Court justice, cementing a 6-3 conservative majority on the court. Barrett has not said whether she will recuse herself from cases having to do with this election… meanwhile, her confirmation has led even more moderate Democrats to warm up to the idea of court reform or expansion.

Policing is on the ballot this year, with over 20 state and local measures that deal with law enforcement budgets, police oversight, marijuana legalization and more. We talk through some of those measures and the effect they might have if they pass.

And in headlines: Chile votes to replace its constitution, China’s Ant Group has largest IPO in history, and the nation of Kazakhstan reclaims “very nice.”

Show Links:

votesaveameria.com/volunteer

At least 5 aides of Mike Pence including his Chief of Staff have tested positive for Covid-19, but Pence still isn’t going to quarantine. The country is seeing record numbers of new cases, with over 85,000 new cases last Friday… that fits with a recent admission from White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows that the federal government is “not going to control the pandemic.” 

Over 59 million people have already voted in the election and far fewer votes are undecided this year than they were in 2016. We take a look at how Trump and Biden are spending their final week on the campaign trail and how polls are looking in key states. 

And in headlines: police fatally shoot 19-year-old Marcellis Stinnette in Illinois, Spain declares a national state of emergency, and HHS blows a deal with Santa.

Last night Biden and Trump faced off in the second and final presidential debate. It was less interrupt-y and the candidates discussed everything from the pandemic to climate change and racism. We break down what Biden and Trump had to say, and the biggest news leading into the night. 

And in headlines: Remdesivir approved, Pompeo signs an anti-abortion declaration, and a beautiful green dog is born in Italy.

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“What Prop 22’s Defeat Would Mean For Uber and Lyft — And Drivers”

https://www.latimes.com/business/technology/story/2020-10-19/prop-22-explained

The DOJ announced an $8.3 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma yesterday for illegally marketing their painkiller Oxycontin. The settlement doesn’t prevent members of the Sackler family, who own Purdue Pharma, from criminal liability and there is still a criminal case pending. 

Protests continue in Nigeria against a notorious police unit called SARS, which has been accused of corruption, violence and other forms of abuse. Earlier this week, security forces fired on a crowd of protesters, reportedly killing several people and injuring others.

And in headlines: lawyers unable to find parents of 545 children who were separated under Trump immigration policy, Big Ten mayors ask conference organizers to be COVID-cautious, and another Quick Bites the dust.

Show Links:

Support protesters in Nigeria:

https://feministcoalition2020.com/

"These Twelve Elections Could Curb ICE's Power"

https://theappeal.org/politicalreport/immigration-in-november-2020/

The Justice Department filed a major lawsuit against Google saying that the company is illegally trying to maintain its search dominance using anti-competitive practices. We look at what's the behind the case and what it could mean for Google.

Trial volunteers in London will be deliberately infected with COVID-19 to aid in vaccine research starting in January, if a plan by researchers gets approval from regulators. In the US, the governors of California and New York are pledging review any FDA-approved vaccine before disseminating it to the public in their states.

And in headlines: a grand juror in the Breonna Taylor case speaks out, Ireland reimposes shutdown, and Phil Collins’ house is occupied by his ex-wife and armed guards.

Show Links:

"Why the US government is suing Google"

https://www.vox.com/recode/21524710/google-antitrust-lawsuit-doj-search-trump-bill-barr