Can the administration and Congress move forward on $2 trillion infrastructure plan?
Release Date: 04/30/2019
How is the COVID-19 pandemic affecting global energy markets?
The Current
The global economic slowdown due to coronavirus restrictions has caused demand for oil and gas to plummet, while OPEC and Russia's refusal to slow production has vastly over-increased supply, causing an unprecedented plunge in the price of oil. Brookings Fellow Samantha Gross explains what this turmoil means for U.S. oil producers and workers as well as longer-term efforts to fight climate change. Full show notes and transcript: Subscribe to Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to , and follow us and tweet us at on Twitter....
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What does the coronavirus crisis mean for unemployment in America?
The Current
The coronavirus pandemic has exposed massive weaknesses in the support systems for U.S. workers. Martha Ross explains that while provisions in the recently passed $2 trillion CARES Act are a good start, they're not sufficient for the magnitude of unemployment and wage shortages particularly facing low-wage workers. Full show notes: Subscribe to Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to , and follow us and tweet us at on Twitter. The Current is part of the .
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What’s in the Senate’s $2 trillion economic package?
The Current
After days of intense negotiations, the Senate's expansive coronavirus relief bill "needs to get both the health response right and the economic response right for the economy to do well," says Jay Shambaugh, director of the Hamilton Project at Brookings. Shambaugh explains the different assistance programs for individuals and businesses, how the bill creatively boosts unemployment insurance, and what policymakers' next move should be to continue protecting workers and the economy. Full show notes: Subscribe to Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on...
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Do Germany’s border closures signal a new stage in Europe’s COVID-19 response?
The Current
Following Germany's stepped-up response to the coronavirus in Europe, Constanze Stelzenmüller details Germany's new social restrictions, the economic impact of European border closures, and how EU coordination is crucial to protect the more vulnerable nations and societies in Europe. Full show notes: Subscribe to Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to , and follow us and tweet us at on Twitter. The Current is part of the .
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What does the coronavirus crisis mean for European unity?
The Current
While the COVID-19 pandemic is a health crisis, Senior Fellow Tom Wright argues the European Union has a crucial role to play in coordinating national efforts and mitigating the crisis' significant economic impact. In this episode, Wright explains how different countries within Europe are responding, the repercussions of the U.S. European travel ban, and how populist government responses are exacerbating the crisis. Full show notes: Subscribe to Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to , and follow us and tweet us at on...
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How is Italy handling the coronavirus crisis?
The Current
Italy has been the European country hardest hit by the COVID-19 virus. Brookings Visiting Fellow Giovanna De Maio looks at Italy's response to the crisis, the economic challenges that will linger even after the virus is gone, and why strong EU coordination is important for combating both the coronavirus and nationalist protectionism. Full show notes: Subscribe to Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to , and follow us and tweet us at on Twitter. The Current is part of the .
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What drove Biden’s big wins on Super Tuesday?
The Current
Brookings expert John Hudak examines the factors that fueled Joe Biden's dramatic comeback in the Super Tuesday primaries, why Bloomberg's unlimited budget couldn't save his candidacy, and which upcoming states will be the true tests of Biden and Bernie Sanders's visions for the Democratic Party. Full show notes: Subscribe to Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to , and follow us and tweet us at on Twitter. The Current is part of the .
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What did Trump’s India trip accomplish?
The Current
U.S. President Donald Trump's state visit to India was overshadowed by sectarian riots in Delhi, but his meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi helped reinforce areas of security cooperation between the world's two largest democracies. In this episode, Senior Fellow Tanvi Madan talks about where trade negotiations stand between the two countries, how concerns about China shape the U.S.-India relationship, and what fueled the outbreak of violence between Hindus and Muslims. Full show notes: Subscribe to Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send...
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What will Pompeo’s trip mean for US policy toward Africa?
The Current
Following U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit to Ethiopia, Senegal, and Angola, Witney Schneidman lays out the security and governance issues on the agenda in each country, the questions surrounding the Trump administration's plans for trade with the continent, and the need for Pompeo to articulate a more coherent U.S. approach to Africa. Full show notes: Subscribe to Brookings podcasts on Apple or Google podcasts, or on Spotify. Send feedback email to , and follow us and tweet us at on Twitter. The Current is part of the .
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Why is Duterte canceling the US-Philippines military cooperation agreement?
The Current
This week, President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte announced the cancellation of the 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States. While withdrawal from the military cooperation pact doesn't dissolve the mutual defense treaty between the two countries, Lindsey Ford warns that it reinforces a narrative of declining U.S. influence and leadership in the Indo-Pacific, and is also a significant loss for the safety and security of the Philippine people. Full show notes: The Current is part of the .
info_outlineBrookings Fellow Adie Tomer explains what's included in the $2 trillion infrastructure proposal announced Tuesday by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer following their meeting with President Trump, and how federal infrastructure programs are woefully outdated.
Full show notes: https://brook.gs/2GSh070
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The Current is part of the Brookings Podcast Network.