Carri and Brad are back to break down a week where everything feels both headline and punchline. This episode kicks off with the spectacle at the White House—Trump’s pay-to-play presidency, a donor-funded ballroom, and the symbolism of tearing down the East Wing for personal gain. This is all the more concerning amid a government shutdown with no end in sight. The administration has no problem letting the everyday American people, government workers, and children struggle to pay their bills and access food. They discuss how harmful the SNAP stigma is and how American workers are not being paid a livable wage.  They unpack how billionaires and megadonors are shaping the day-to-day priorities of government, and why it matters for democracy. Next up, it’s Zohran Mamdani’s moment: from 13,000-strong stadium rallies in Queens to navigating unprecedented public islamophobia by his opponents. Carri and Brad explore why Mamdani has become the face of grievance and hope for grassroots Democrats—and what it could mean if he delivers a 30-point landslide victory. Finally, they turn to the week’s most jaw-dropping headlines from the world of sports: an NBA gambling scandal shakes fans’ faith in the game, blurring the already thin line between entertainment and corruption. From federal workers lining up at food banks to NBA stars caught up in insider trading, this episode explores how money, power, and spectacle are reshaping America’s most trusted institutions. Check out our friends' books! Roy Wood Jr.'s book, The Man of Many Fathers: Life Lessons Disguised as a Memoir, you can purchase it here. Sam Kass’s book, The Last Supper: How to Overcome the Coming Food Crisis, get your copy here. Julia Ioffe’s book, Motherland: A Feminist History of Modern Russia, from Revolution to Autocracy, get your copy here. Be sure to click that FOLLOW button on Spotify,  Apple Podcasts, or SUBSCRIBE button on YouTube, so that you don’t miss out on our coverage of the most pressing and interesting news stories.  Have thoughts about this episode? Have ideas on topics we should discuss? Let us know! Email us at twiggandjenkinspodcast@gmail.com, DM us, or leave a comment on YouTube. Also, share this episode with a friend, a bestie, or humans you want to foster political discourse with.