Topic: Sturgis

A severe baby formula shortage in the United States was triggered by the FDA-mandated closure of an Abbott Labs plant in Sturgis, Michigan. While the government cited infant deaths from *Chronobacter* bacteria, Abbott Labs claims genetic sequencing proved their facility was not the source of the infection. The shortage is exacerbated by WIC program contracts and high tariffs on Canadian dairy imports.

NPR reported a surge in COVID-19 cases in South Dakota following the Sturgis motorcycle rally, which drew 500,000 attendees. Inadvertently, the report admitted that the state had "lowest numbers" and near-zero hospitalizations prior to the rally, despite Governor Kristi Noem keeping the state entirely open. The reporting is characterized as a hit piece against the state's anti-lockdown stance.

Dr. Shankar Kora of Monument Health in Rapid City discussed the rise in COVID-19 patients from three in June to 77 in August. NPR's Mary Louise Kelly questioned the direct link to the Sturgis rally, while the doctor noted that large gatherings in bars and "mass selfies" made transmission inevitable. The interview style is mocked for its repetitive use of "hmm" as a rhetorical device.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott's positive COVID-19 test is discussed alongside media criticism of his anti-mask mandate policies. Joy Reid's commentary on the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally as a "super spreader" is reviewed. Additionally, Quinnipiac University in Connecticut announces plans to fine unvaccinated students $100 per week and cut their Wi-Fi access.

The 2021 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota is compared to the 2020 event, which media outlets labeled a "super spreader" event. Governor Kristi Noem defends the rally against claims from San Diego State University researchers regarding the economic and health impact. The hosts suggest the media focus on South Dakota, Florida, and Texas is politically motivated to damage potential Republican presidential candidates.

The hosts read a final list of birthdays and donation credits, including a title upgrade for "Sir Pate Snakes" to Viscount. They highlight a donation from "Sir Bubblehead" who is traveling to the Sturgis rally. The term "vaxation," a verbal slip by President Biden, is adopted as a potential theme for future merchandise and show titles.

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem defended her state's COVID-19 response during a contentious interview with Margaret Brennan on CBS's Face the Nation. Noem challenged Dr. Anthony Fauci's previous hospital capacity predictions and dismissed a study claiming the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally caused $12 billion in damages. Brennan questioned Noem on South Dakota's high per capita death rate and the "sanctity of life" in relation to pandemic policy.

A long-term donor, Sir Anonymous of Dogpatch, shared his experiences traveling through 30 U.S. states during the pandemic. He noted the vast differences in COVID-19 restrictions, ranging from strict isolation edicts in some states to "business as usual" in Sturgis, South Dakota. He expressed concern that extensive domestic travel might eventually be flagged by Homeland Security.

A summary of NBC Nightly News highlights Dr. Anthony Fauci's warnings against Labor Day crowds and the first death linked to the Sturgis motorcycle rally. The segment also mentions the CDC's vaccine timeline and a report on how funds from the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge have led to a new medical breakthrough.

The hosts read a list of donors who contributed $50 or more, including several "88.88" well-wishers. One donor jokes about Adam Curry becoming a "Trumpsexual," while others send greetings from locations like Sturgis, Michigan, and Frankfurt, Germany. The segment reinforces the show's reliance on listener support rather than traditional advertising.

A Travel Channel clip features women competing for the title of "Miss Buffalo Chip" at the Sturgis motorcycle rally. The hosts use the segment to illustrate what they perceive as the "demoralization" and mediocrity of modern American culture.