Chaos At The U.S. Capitol
What is usually a mundane, ceremonial counting of the electoral college vote descended into chaos Wednesday when supporters of President Donald Trump overpowered police and raided the U.S. Capitol. Several people died in the related violence, including a woman from San Diego. KPBS reporter Amita Sharma joins us to talk about the sad spectacle and the renewed calls for President Trump to be removed from office in his final weeks on the job.
RELATED: Reps. Jacobs, Vargas Describe A ‘Horrifying Wednesday,’ Call For Consequences For Trump
How Social Media Fuels Extremism
Much of the cult of personality that made Wednesday’s chaos possible is grown on social media platforms, both mainstream and fringe. Many companies are now limiting President Trump’s preferred mode of communication, seemingly drawing a line after years of whipping up lies and misleading his followers. The Union-Tribune’s Andrew Dyer has covered local online extremism and how it's often tethered to our fractured political climate.
RELATED: Former DHS Official: Trump Pouring ‘Fuel On The Fire’ Of Domestic Extremism
San Diego's Local COVID Situation Worsens
Case numbers are surging, deaths are up, the vaccine rollout is slow, and the city is stepping up enforcement. San Diego’s COVID-19 situation is escalating in the early days of 2021, making it unlikely that we’ll see a return to normal anytime soon. KPBS health reporter Tarryn Mento joins us to discuss the struggle in getting the virus under control.
RELATED: San Diego County Opening Regional COVID-19 ‘Vaccination Pods’