Wednesday's podcasts stories
Online romance scams are on the rise
The pandemic has had many older Americans feeling lonely and turning to online dating websites to find a connection, but many were left with broken hearts and empty bank accounts. The FTC reports that a record $304 million dollars were lost on online romance scams in 2020. How can the most vulnerable be protected?
Axios Re:Cap talks with Washington Post personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary, who’s been reporting on online romance scams.
Kids COVID vaccine endorsement, plus who's eligible for boosters
After what’s felt like a long, long wait, an FDA advisory panel yesterday voted to recommend the Pfizer COVID vaccine for kids ages 5-11. Plus: understanding who is eligible for a COVID booster, and who has access to one.
- Also, what the Sudanese coup says about democracy worldwide.
- And, meatless meals make it into public school lunches.
Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird, and David Toledo. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.
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Battle over state gun laws
Firearms purchases have spiked in the U.S. over the last year, and the FBI conducted more than 39 million firearm background checks in 2020. Meanwhile, states have either passed major gun safety laws or gun rights laws. Could there be federal action on gun control in the near future?
Axios Re:Cap talks with Axios’ politics reporter Stef Kight on state gun laws.
Crimes against houses of worship are on the rise
From Jewish synagogues and Buddhist temples to Catholic churches and Muslim mosques, houses of worship this year are experiencing high levels of vandalism, arson and other property damage. According to early numbers, 2021 is on track to be a record year for hate crimes in the U.S., and many of those are linked to religious bigotry.
- Plus, global leaders prepare for the climate summit in Glasgow.
- And, your future home could be 3D-printed.
Guests: Professor Brian Levin, director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at Cal State University; Axios' Andrew Freedman and Joann Muller.
Credits: Axios Today is produced in partnership with Pushkin Industries. The team includes Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Dan Bobkoff, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, Sabeena Singhani, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Michael Hanf, and David Toledo. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected]. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.
Go deeper: