Planets, pay raises, and Pfizer: 5 podcast episodes from this week’s headlines

On Podsauce’s episode round-up from the headlines, we’ve included episodes about the Omicron variant, boosters, and research. This week, we heard updates about the various trials underway including Instagram, Theranos, Jussie Smollett, and Kim Potter on trial for killing Daunte Wright.

Former President Trump’s White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows is trying to block subpoenas from being enforced, set to obtain information about the January 6th Capitol attack. More countries are joining the 2022 Beijing Olympics boycott. Also, a giant planet has been discovered orbiting in a double star system

Learn more about this week’s headlines from these podcast episodes:

Up First

This 13-minute episode of NPR’s “Up First” reports on President Biden’s response and the U.S.’ growing worry about Russia possibly invading Ukraine since troops are at the border. President Biden is attending a virtual summit this week. Amidst Instagram’s trial, the social media app launched the “Take a Break” feature, and we heard updates about Instagram CEO’s stance at trial. Former NFL player Glenn Foster Jr. died on Monday while in police custody in Alabama, and we’re still learning more information on this story.

CNN 5 Things

“CNN 5 Things” shared updates on the Senate’s vote to repeal President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine or testing mandate that would apply to private businesses with over 100 employees. This 4-minute episode also explained Jussie Smollett’s criminal trial as he is charged with 6 felony counts for allegedly staging a fake hate crime. Former President Trump’s White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows is suing the House Select Committee in regards to the January 6th Capitol attack. He wants to block 2 subpoenas from being enforced. Also hear about 2022 pay raises and a new giant planet that has been discovered orbiting in a double star system.

Morning Announcements

Betches Media presents “Morning Announcements,” a daily podcast. On this 3-minute episode, we learned that Canada, Australia, and the UK have joined the diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Pfizer shared research about the booster shot and protection from the Omicron variant. Instagram is still in court, and Adam Mosseri testified in the Senate. We also heard updates about the January 6th Committee Subpoena. This week, former Minneapolis police officer Kim Potter is on trial for killing Daunte Wright in April 2021.

Coronavirus Daily

On this episode of Audacy’s “Coronavirus Daily,” hear about vaccine boosters, updates on the Omicron variant, and a study involving chewing gum as a protective measure against coronavirus. This week, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a statement on mental health struggles during the pandemic. Learn more in this 20-minute episode.

The Journal

The Wall Street Journal presents the daily podcast, “The Journal.” On this episode, hear about former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes taking the stand at trial. Reporter Sara Randazzo explained the prosecution’s arguments, and what this could mean for the verdict. Hear more about the Theranos trial in this 19-minute episode.