8 chapters across the catalog
Washington State Voter Roll Discrepancies, Mail-In Ballots
An investigation into Washington State voter records allegedly found individuals registered at homeless shelters, libraries, and memory care facilities in numbers exceeding capacity. The hosts also claim that the immediate destruction of ballot envelopes after signature verification prevents meaningful audits of election results.
Dame Sheila, Portugal Lockdown and San Francisco Homeless Hotels
Dame Sheila provides a "boots on the ground" report from Lisbon, Portugal, contrasting its quiet but open atmosphere with the strict military-enforced lockdown in Spain. In San Francisco, the city is reportedly converting luxury hotels like the Hyatt into homeless shelters and instructing police not to respond to robberies under $2,500, leading to concerns about rising crime.
Homeless Shelter Funding, Austin Charity and Commercialism
In Austin, Texas, a coalition seeking to build a homeless shelter has raised only $50,000 of its $3 million goal, despite the city's visible homelessness crisis. The hosts contrast this lack of support with the public's enthusiasm for paying off retail layaway accounts. They argue that modern charity is often driven by commercialism rather than addressing core social issues.
HUD Secretary Ben Carson faced criticism for allegedly making derogatory comments about "big hairy men" entering women's homeless shelters during a visit to San Francisco. A HUD spokesperson denied the reports, stating that Carson does not use derogatory language toward transgender individuals.
Queens Homeless Shelter Protest, Not In My Backyard
A Hispanic woman in Queens, New York, is recorded protesting a proposed homeless shelter in her neighborhood. She expresses safety concerns for her granddaughter and explicitly uses the "not in my backyard" (NIMBY) argument, which the hosts note is a sentiment shared by many taxpayers.
South Austin Homeless Shelters, Affordable Housing Initiatives
Austin city leaders approved an $8.5 million purchase of an office building on Ben White Boulevard to convert into a homeless shelter, sparking a petition with over 5,700 signatures from local residents. Additionally, a Salvation Army facility on Tannehill Lane remains unoccupied due to funding and certification delays. The city also announced plans to purchase 300 affordable homes, with a portion reserved for individuals with disabilities or critical needs.
Hunger Games, Homeless Feeding Bans, and Mayor Bloomberg
The hosts connect the popularity of The Hunger Games movie to real-world ordinances in cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Orlando that restrict feeding the homeless. In New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg's administration reportedly blocked a synagogue from donating bagels and carrot stew to shelters due to concerns over salt, fat, and fiber content. The discussion highlights the transition from public service to government micromanagement of nutrition for the indigent.
Bloomberg Homeless Shelter Restrictions in New York
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg faced a lawsuit from the City Council over new restrictions requiring homeless individuals to provide extensive housing and financial documentation to access shelters. Critics argue that requiring "paperwork" from the mentally ill or destitute is a legal maneuver to force them out of the city. The hosts compare the policy to the tactics used by former Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
