We open with Ana Hummel filling in for Dawn Stensland and immediately get into genome software producing viable bacteriophages, which sends us into a discussion about laboratory safety, gain-of-function research and what happens when machines can design complete genomes. Ana’s first news block moves to the cyber incident affecting water-system computer networks in Cape May and Woodbine, where officials say drinking water remains safe. We also cover the Emily Pryor Albino sexual-abuse charges in Delaware, Larry Pettis losing his New Jersey medical license following his controlled-substance case and Vincent Lang’s case tied to the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center arson.
The mood gets lighter when Philadelphia’s growing Mah-Jawn scene starts an argument over board games, Monopoly strategy, Jenga, Stratego, yard games and whether Nick needs a dartboard in the Kayal cave. Phil Almquist then turns to sports as Jaylen Brown speaks at his 76ers introduction and we debate whose team the new-look Sixers become with LeBron James, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Brown also throws the first pitch before the Phillies’ 7-3 win over Washington, and preseason football returns with Carolina beating Arizona 33-30 in the Hall of Fame Game.
The Big Take asks, “Is it wrong to want more?” Nick says supporting Trump does not require rubber-stamping him, grades the second term at a C+ and contrasts American government with Milei’s push for fiscal discipline in Argentina. We move through Rand Paul’s contempt fight with Fauci, Mitch McConnell’s long tenure, the federal audit challenging DOGE savings claims, Elon Musk, the Iran war, U.S. munitions concerns and weak midterm agendas. We finish the argument with footage of clean public spaces in Japan and the belief that demanding higher standards from government and society is fair.
