PBD Podcast Newsom's Diaper Scam + Can Spencer Pratt Save LA? | PBD #796
9 snips
May 11, 2026 They dig into a $20M California diaper program and possible crony connections. Heated debate over New York policing, a demoted captain, and city safety challenges. Coverage of Iran deal tensions, rising gas prices, and strategic stakes ahead of major diplomatic meetings. Cultural flashpoints from transgender sports to celebrity controversies round out the conversation.
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Captain's Comment Exposes Officer Frustration
- NYPD Captain James Wilson said “He's not my mayor” and criticized Democrats, then was moved from second-in-command to a 911 call center during an ongoing disciplinary process.
- Hosts argue the remark reflects officer frustration amid rising NYC crime statistics and leadership perceived as unsupportive.
Released Suspect Killed Elderly Man Hours Later
- They discussed the fatal unprovoked subway push: Ramel Burke was released after a psychiatric eval one hour earlier and then fatally shoved 76-year-old Ross Falzone.
- Hosts use this case to illustrate failures in public safety, repeats, and supervised release decisions.
Falling Enrollment But Rising Per Student Spend
- NYC public school enrollment is projected to drop ~153,000 students by 2034–35 while per-student spending rose from ~$42,000 five years ago to even higher today.
- Tom notes lower graduation rates and downgraded test standards explain rising per-student spending without better outcomes.
