Pod Save the People

A growing “pardon industry” helps wealthy offenders hire lobbyists to secure clemency from the White House, Chinese billionaires use surrogacy to produce dozens of U.S.-born heirs to inherit their empires, and Jill Scott tops the R&B charts with “Pressha,” a reminder that while the powerful build dynasties, the culture does too.NewsPardon Industry Offers Rich Offenders a Path to TrumpChinese billionaire who has fathered more than 100 children hopes to have dozens of U.S.-born boys to one day take over his business Jill Scott's 'Pressha' Hits No. 1 at R&B RadioFollow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

A tech billionaire makes a $108 billion push to continue the conservative takeover of traditional media, Kansas orders trans residents to surrender their driver’s licenses on one day’s notice, and at the BAFTAs, a racial slur interrupts a celebration of Black artistry.NewsA Father, a Son and Their $108 Billion Push for Media MoguldomKansas Orders Trans Drivers to Surrender Licenses With One Day’s Notice Anti-blackness is the Grammar of the World: The BAFTAs and the AfterMathFollow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

Middle-class Americans are increasingly selling their own plasma to keep pace with an economy that keeps taking more than it gives, election officials in Georgia find fraudulent ballot applications tied to a PAC backed by Elon Musk, and international travelers are skipping the United States as ICE and aggressive border enforcement make visiting America feel less like a vacation and more like a risk.NewsWhy the United States Is Seeing an Ongoing Tourism Slump Turns Out There Was Voter Fraud in Georgia—by Elon MuskMiddle-class Americans are selling plasma to keep up with rising costsFollow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram. 

Advocates outline a concrete roadmap to dismantling ICE, new data shows Black defendants in San Diego are increasingly steered toward life-without-parole charges, and a reminder that being bougie and Black isn’t a trend but a legacy.NewsA clear roadmap to ending ICE starts with what we can demand today.In San Diego, the racial divide in charges that can lead to life without parole has grownBeing Bougie & Black: Then, Now & AlwaysFollow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

Republicans unveil the most extreme federal voting restrictions proposed in modern history, Tennessee officials are accused of quietly propping up a payday lender’s failed sports betting operation, and scholars warn the U.S. may be entering the early stages of genocide against trans Americans.NewsNew GOP anti-voting bill may be the most dangerous attack on voting rights ever How a Tennessee Official Kept Advance Financial’s Sports Betting Company AliveExperts Warn U.S. in Early Stages of Genocide Against Trans Americans Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

Trump signs a “Board of Peace” charter as allies push back on his Gaza plan, Illinois investigates allegations that a landlord tipped off ICE to target Black and Hispanic tenants in a Chicago building, and Ryan Coogler’s Sinners makes Oscar history with a record 16 nominations. NewsTrump signs Board of Peace charter at Davos as allies split on Gaza planIllinois Investigates Claim That Landlord Tipped Off High-Profile ICE Raid'Sinners' tops Oscars with record 16 nominations. Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

The Justice Department moves to block the release of Epstein files, SpaceX rockets explode over active flight paths with little consequence, and a prominent gospel singer faces sexual abuse allegations—another reminder of how power shields itself across institutions and industries. NewsJustice Department urges a judge to reject a request from US Reps on the release of Epstein files“We’re Too Close to the Debris”Grammy-winning gospel singer and pastor accused of sexually abusing a young man Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

Utah lets artificial intelligence start prescribing medication, Elon Musk’s Grok AI violates privacy by “undressing” non-consenting users, and a death inside a Mississippi jail raises familiar questions about brutality, cover-ups, and accountability. DeRay interviews Brooke Butler, Political Director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, about Our Power, Our Country—the party’s earliest-ever investment to mobilize voters of color and rural communities ahead of the 2026 midterms. NewsArtificial intelligence begins prescribing medications in Utah‘Misogyny by design’: Is it possible to escape getting ‘undressed’ by AI?Death at a Mississippi Jail: Brutal Beating or a Fall From Bed?Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

Prediction markets turn global politics into profit as traders cash in on Nicolás Maduro’s capture, the federal government faces constitutional backlash for labeling ICE observers “domestic terrorists,” and Black women survivalists prepare for another Trump era by building systems of self-reliance where the state has failed. NewsThe Government Unconstitutionally Labels ICE Observers as Domestic TerroristsMaduro's capture gives Polymarket, prediction market traders huge profitsBlack Women Survivalists and Preppers Are Ready for Trump Era Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

The U.S. threatens new sanctions on the International Criminal Court—so long as it agrees not to prosecute Donald Trump—while American service members quietly worry they’ll be left holding the legal bag for overseas military strikes. Plus, a reminder of what accountability and care can look like, as the Redd Family Collection of Black Art anchors community, history, and cultural power at the Tubman African American Museum. DeRay interviews author and historian Bench Ansfield about their book Born in Flames: The Business of Arson and the Remaking of the American City. NewsUS threatens new ICC sanctions unless court pledges not to prosecute TrumpU.S. military members fear personal legal blowback tied to boat strikes : NPRRedd Family Collection of Black Art | Tubman African American Museum Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

Dollar stores are caught quietly overcharging the very communities they claim to serve, a failed psychology essay at the University of Oklahoma ignites a national debate over religious discrimination, and CNN’s new partnership with a prediction market raises fresh questions about where journalism ends and gambling begins. NewsHow the dollar-store industry overcharges cash-strapped customers while promising low pricesOU essay sparks religious discrimination debate: What we knowKalshi to become CNN’s official prediction market partner Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.  

Death row prisoners granted clemency under Biden now brace as the Trump administration rolls out retaliatory prison policies. Podcast influencers who made millions glamorizing “wild births” are now tied to infant deaths across the globe, as investigations reveal a deadly pipeline of anti-medical radicalization. And Gen Z’s viral “quarter-zip movement” signals a generation rewriting the rules of professionalism. NewsDeath Row Prisoners Granted Clemency by Biden Brace for “Living Hell” Under TrumpGen Z’s ‘Quarter-Zip’ Movement Is About More Than Fashion Influencers made millions pushing ‘wild’ births – now the Free Birth Society is linked to baby deaths around the world Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

Trump grows increasingly agitated as Epstein files inch toward public release, Marjorie Taylor Greene becomes the latest Republican to wobble on loyalty, and new visa data shows some foreigners being denied entry to the U.S. for… being obese?? Meanwhile, a new AI study finds large language models occasionally breaking bad, Democrats gear up for insurgent primaries over the shutdown betrayal, and New York restaurants are outsourcing cashiers to the Philippines to dodge fair-wage standards. DeRay interviews author and Harvard professor Brandon Terry about his book Shattered Dreams, Infinite Hope: A Tragic Vision of the Civil Rights Movement. NewsThe Fried Chicken Is in New York. The Cashier Is in the Philippines.Why AI Breaks BadDemocratic Insurgents Are Ready to Run on Shutdown Betrayal  Follow @PodSavethePeople on Instagram.  

Government shutdown chaos deepens as hosts debate the fate of the 'Blue Wave', the DOJ targets judges with immigrant defense backgrounds, LAPD ignores City budget hiring more officers than it can afford, and Outkast finally gets their flowers at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. DeRay interviews journalist Brian Goldstone about his new book There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America. NewsThe LAPD is hiring more officers than it can pay forFired judges more likely to have a past in immigrant defenseOutkast Honored at 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

A wave of layoffs hit Corporate America as the federal shutdown drags on, a drug bribery sting in Mississippi exposes 14 police officers among the 20 arrested, Trump’s White House denounces a Drexciya-inspired Smithsonian exhibit, and new research shows foodborne UTIs disproportionately impact low-income communities. DeRay interviews the team behind the new HBO Max documentary The Alabama Solution: directors Andrew Jarecki & Charlotte Kaufman, and producer Beth Shelburne. NewsFourteen police officers among 20 arrested in Mississippi drug bribery stingTrump's White House denounces Drexciya-inspired Smithsonian exhibitUrinary tract infections linked to contaminated meat in new studyKnow Your Rights - Immigration Resources Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

Millions brace for food stamp losses as the federal shutdown drags on, Steve Bannon pushes Trump’s fantasy of a 2028 presidency, Eric Adams calls Andrew Cuomo 'snake and a liar' then endorses him for NYC Mayor, George Santos pens jailhouse blog ahead of pardon, the NBA faces a Mafia-backed betting scandal, and Angela Rye/Joe Budden conflict sparks debate over “elitism” in Black media. NewsSantos From Behind Bars: Solitary Confinement Millions may lose SNAP food stamp benefits if shutdown continuesNBA head coach and player charged in sprawling sports betting and Mafia-backed poker schemes Food Assistance ResourcesFind your local food bank.Find your local community fridge.Find your local food pantry. Follow @PodSavethePeople on Instagram.  

Candace Owens barred from entry into several countries, Gavin Newsom caught slipping by Van Lathan and reparations leaders, while videos of Charlie Kirk’s murder remain online by design. PSTP hosts debate on mass movements in America and honor the life and legacy of Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a Stonewall veteran and legendary trans activist. NewsMiss Major Griffin-Gracy, Stonewall Veteran and Legendary Trans Activist, Has Died at 78Candace Owens denied visa to Australia by country’s highest courtVideos of Charlie Kirk’s Murder Are Still on Social Media. That’s No Accident.Reparations leaders ‘deeply disappointed’ as Newsom vetoes university billAmerica Needs a Mass Movement — Now Follow @PodSavethePeople on Instagram.

It’s chaos, capitalism, and counterprogramming this week: Katie Porter’s office implodes, Turning Point USA takes its culture wars to the Super Bowl, a billion-dollar political betting platform blurs the line between democracy and data, and a Philly creative turns her home into resistance art. DeRay interviews LaShawn Harris, author of Tell Her Story: Eleanor Bumpurs & the Police Killing That Galvanized New York City. NewsTurning Point USA, group founded by Charlie Kirk, announces Super Bowl halftime counter programmingFirst she turned her Philly living room into a record store. Then it became an art installation at DesignPhiladelphia.He upended political polling by creating the billion-dollar betting platform Polymarket. But is it legal? Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

From ICE terrorizing Chicago to Apple deleting ICE-tracking apps under Trump pressure, the saga continues. The Root boasts new Black ownership, Ezra Klein and Ta-Nehisi Coates debate Charlie Kirk’s legacy, Georgia’s Supreme Court sides with Black landowners, and Bari Weiss brings “free speech” to CBS News. NewsBari Weiss named editor-in-chief of CBS News as Paramount acquires The Free PressAfrica Launches Its Own Internet System, Breaking Free from Western ControlGeorgia Supreme Court backs Black landowners in zoning fightApple Takes Down ICE Tracking Apps in Response to Trump Pressure Campaign Follow @PodSavethePeople on Instagram.

U.S. officials cover up a “secret cemetery” of 230 Black boys, Trump to attend a gathering of top generals, Solange Knowles launches a free radical library, and the legacy of Assata Shakur takes center stage while Kamala Harris hits the book-tour circuit to mixed reviews. News230 dead Black boys. A 'secret cemetery. Officials knew, and didn't act.Assata Shakur, a fugitive Black militant sought by the U.S. since 1979, dies in CubaTrump to attend gathering of top generals, upending last-minute plansSolange Knowles is launching a free radical library.Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.