What A Day Podcast Summary Episode: A Week of Big Cases At SCOTUS
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Host: Erin Ryan (in place of Jane Coaston)
Guest: Leah Littman, Co-host of Crooked's Legal Podcast Strict Scrutiny

Introduction: Current Events Snapshot

The episode kicks off with Erin Ryan highlighting a range of pressing topics, including the peculiar incident involving Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem's purse theft, the passing of Pope Francis, and unsettling movements in the financial markets. The host sets the stage for a deep dive into the significant legal battles unfolding at the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) that week.

SCOTUS in Focus: Major Cases Explored

1. Challenge to Obamacare's Preventive Services

Timestamp: [01:49] – [04:27]

Leah Littman delves into a critical case challenging the Affordable Care Act (ACA), specifically its Preventive Services Task Force. This group, established by the ACA, determines which preventive care services must be covered by insurers at no cost to patients. The lawsuit, initiated by a coalition of religious employers, targets the requirement for insurers to cover pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drugs, which are pivotal in HIV/AIDS prevention.

• Key Arguments:
  • Challengers' Stance: The plaintiffs argue that task force members should undergo Senate confirmation rather than being appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. If successful, this could incapacitate the task force, severely hampering preventive care coverage nationwide.
  • Leah's Insight: “Dismantling Obamacare is not in the Rep Party's interest,” suggests that Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Brett Kavanaugh might lean towards upholding the ACA to avoid the political fallout of dismantling healthcare provisions ([03:35]).

2. Parental Rights vs. LGBTQ-Themed Children's Books in Schools

Timestamp: [04:37] – [05:47]

The Supreme Court is set to hear a case centered on a public school's decision to incorporate LGBTQ-inclusive reading materials into its curriculum. A group of parents with religious objections contends that they should have the right to opt their children out of such educational content.

• Potential Implications:
  • Granting parents the ability to opt-out could lead to an unmanageable and individualized curriculum, undermining public education standards.

3. California's Stricter Emission Standards for New Cars

Timestamp: [05:47] – [06:06]

The Court will also address whether California can impose more stringent emission standards than those set at the federal level. This case tests the balance between state innovation and federal oversight in environmental regulation.

Supreme Court's Role Amid Political Tensions

Timestamp: [06:06] – [08:20]

Littman discusses the broader implications of these cases, highlighting concerns over the Court's ability to resist political pressures, particularly from the Trump administration. She emphasizes that recent cases signify a trend where the Court appears more inclined to side with religious conservatives, potentially reshaping the traditional separation of church and state.

• Notable Quote:
  “These cases... are just part of this massive trend whereby the Court demands increasing public support for religion...” ([06:06])

Emergency Stay on Deportations to El Salvador

Timestamp: [07:15] – [09:42]

Over the weekend, the Court issued an emergency stay preventing the Trump administration from deporting alleged Venezuelan gang members to a super prison in El Salvador. This decision faced dissent from Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas.

• Leah’s Analysis:

  • The temporary measure was a step in the right direction, addressing procedural oversights in the administration's deportation process.
  • However, a permanent resolution is still pending, leaving uncertainty about future deportations.

• Notable Quote:
  “I honestly don't know what I expect them to do. What they have done in the cases to date has not been particularly encouraging to me.” ([08:31])

Other Major News Highlights

Passing of Pope Francis

Timestamp: [12:57] – [17:30]

The episode covers the mourning of Catholics worldwide following Pope Francis's death at age 88. Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the Pope's passing, noting his legacy of promoting economic and environmental justice, advocating for migrants' rights, and encouraging the Church to embrace LGBTQ individuals.

• Legacy Highlights:
  • First Latin American pope with progressive political stances.
  • Advocated for "faithfulness, courage, and universal love" especially towards the marginalized.
  • Encouraged the Church to adopt a more inclusive stance towards LGBTQ people.

Stock Market Declines and Trump's Response to Tariffs

Timestamp: [17:30] – [19:26]

Stock markets experienced significant downturns, with the S&P, Dow, and Nasdaq all dropping over 2%. The decline is attributed to fears stemming from President Trump's tariff policies and the ensuing trade war.

• Jerome Powell's Stance:
  The Federal Reserve Chair indicated that tariffs could lead to higher inflation and slower economic growth, prompting Trump to criticize Powell on social media.

• Trump’s Reaction:

  • Accused Powell of being a "major loser" and urged interest rate cuts, a move Fact-Checked as False since the Fed is an independent agency and cannot be dismissed at the President's discretion.

Education Department Resumes Student Loan Collections

Timestamp: [19:26] – [20:05]

The Education Department announced the resumption of collections on defaulted federal student loans, affecting over 5 million borrowers who haven't made payments in the last year. This marks the end of a pause that began in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Implications:
  • The Treasury may withhold tax refunds, federal salaries, and begin wage garnishments for those in default.
  • Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized the move's importance for borrowers' financial health and the nation's economy.

Conclusion

Erin Ryan wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to subscribe, leave reviews, and engage with the podcast's online content. The episode provides a comprehensive overview of the significant legal battles at the Supreme Court, the geopolitical implications of recent decisions, and the broader socio-economic factors influencing current events.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Leah Littman on Obamacare Case:
  “[...] dismantling Obamacare is not in the Rep Party's interest” ([03:35])

• Leah Littman on Court's Trend:
  “These cases... are just part of this massive trend whereby the Court demands increasing public support for religion...” ([06:06])

• Leah Littman on Emergency Stay:
  “I honestly don't know what I expect them to do. What they have done in the cases to date has not been particularly encouraging to me.” ([08:31])

• Trump on Powell:
  “Unless Mr. Too late, a major loser, lowers interest rates now.” ([17:14])

Final Thoughts

This episode of What A Day offers listeners a detailed exploration of pivotal Supreme Court cases and their potential impact on American society. Through insightful analysis and expert commentary, host Erin Ryan and guest Leah Littman shed light on the complexities of the judicial system amid a backdrop of political and economic turbulence.

For more in-depth legal analysis, check out Leah Littman's podcast "Strict Scrutiny" available on all major platforms.