‘Squid Game’ and Southwest: 5 podcast episodes about this week’s headlines

This week, we are updating you on Gabby Petito’s death, the holiday travel outlook, and the global phenomenon Squid Game. Also, the Las Vegas Raiders head coach shamefully resigned and Hollywood faces a strike that could bring production companies to a halt.

Along with a politics update on raising the debt ceiling and the January 6 investigation, this week has been a wild one. Especially for Southwest Airlines. See what you might have missed below!

5 Things

The coroner report on Gabby Petito’s body, found in Teton County, Wyoming after a huge surge of media attention on the 22-year-old vlogger’s disappearance, came back this week. The coroner said she died by strangulation and that her death had come likely three to four weeks before her body was found. Her boyfriend and person of interest in this case, Brian Laundrie, is still missing. Also, the United States will allow fully vaccinated foreign tourists to cross its land border for non-essential reasons for the first time since March 2020. A bill to raise the debt ceiling by $480 billion has landed on President Biden’s desk and the Las Vegas Raiders move to find a new coach after Jon Gruden’s racist, sexist and homophobic emails forced his resignation.

Axios Today

Over the long weekend, Southwest Airlines cancelled almost 2,000 flights, citing issues with weather and air traffic control. While the FAA has confirmed staffing shortages with air traffic controllers, it seems that Southwest has their own staffing problems. “Axios Today” looks into what this could mean for the upcoming holiday season and what travel will look like. Also, they discuss women’s heart health in a pandemic and retailers avoiding “Columbus Day” sales.

Up First

“Up First” is giving us the biggest stories of the day, mainly, questions about the Johnson & Johnson booster shot, the bottlenecking that could affect this holiday season, and the January 6 investigative committee. New studies from the National Institutes of Health suggests people who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine may benefit from a Pfizer or Moderna booster shot. Also, January 6 riot investigators are awaiting answers form four former Trump administration officials on the attack on the U.S. Capitol: Steve Bannon, Kash Patel, Mark Meadows, Dan Scavino.

WSJ What’s News

Today’s morning edition of “WSJ What’s News” they look at WHO’s new team that is investigating the origins of COVID-19. While an earlier team had stated that it was very unlikely that the virus escaped a lab in Wuhan, those finding were criticized by other scientists, including the director of WHO. Also Hollywood faces a strike from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) who want better wages and rest breaks, as streaming companies pay less than traditional studios. It could bring the industry to a total standstill. Finally, a look into Havana Syndrome, a mysterious neurological ailment that has been affecting diplomats around the world.

The Journal

From the Wall Street Journal and Gimlet, “The Journal” explains the most important stories through the lens of business and money. And nothing has been raking in more money and views than “Squid Game.” The Netflix show is on track to become the streaming giant’s biggest show ever, and journalist Timothy Martin explains where it came from, why it’s captivating the globe, and why Netflix is investing heavily into Korean content.