Topic: December 9

A nationwide freight rail strike looms as several major unions rejected a tentative agreement over the lack of paid sick leave. President Biden has claimed he is not directly involved in talks, contradicting statements from the White House Press Secretary. A strike, potentially starting December 9, could cost the U.S. economy $1 billion in its first week and cause massive disruptions to holiday shipping and food supplies.

Christopher Baylor from Wisconsin recounts how his children suffered from high fevers and persistent coughs in December and January. Despite the symptoms mirroring COVID-19, doctors at the time attributed the illness to a generic virus, raising questions about how long the coronavirus may have been circulating in the U.S.

Numerous listeners reported experiencing coronavirus-like symptoms as early as December 2019 and January 2020. Many individuals who sought medical attention at the time tested negative for influenza but suffered from persistent fevers and coughs. The hosts suggest the virus was present in Europe and the United States much earlier than officially reported, implying current testing is behind the actual curve.

The hosts announce several birthdays, including Dame Isabella and the host's Uncle Don. Additionally, Sir Anthony Farmer has officially changed his title to Sir Alf of the Netherrealm.