American Rescue Plan Could Reduce Poverty, Pictures From Mars, Overcoming Fear Of Needles

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President Biden and VP Harris in Oval Office after bill signing
President Joe Biden, accompanied by Vice President Kamala Harris, looks up after signing the American Rescue Plan, a coronavirus relief package, in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, March 11, 2021, in Washington. Andrew Harnik/AP Photo

A poverty researcher joins us to discuss how the recently signed American Rescue Plan could decrease child poverty. Then, we learn what the Perseverance rover has been up to on Mars and hear about the data its sent back to Earth. Finally, during a mass immunization effort we discuss the fear of needles.

Featured in this Show

  • American Rescue Plan Impact On Child Poverty

    The recently passed American Rescue Plan Act includes an increased child tax credit. Many families could receive $3600 for kids under 6 years of age and $3000 for children between the ages of 6 and 17. We analyze this legislation’s relationship to poverty as researchers predict the bill could reduce it by a third.

  • Perseverance Rover Sends Its First Pictures And Sounds From Mars

    The Perseverance rover is starting to explore Mars, taking pictures and shooting lasers into the rocky surface. We talk with a science writer about what the vehicle is up to and the research that’s still to come.

  • How To Get Over A Fear Of Needles

    Fear of needles is fairly common. One study found that 16 percent of adults avoided getting their flu vaccine due to this fear. In a global pandemic where getting a shot is the most surefire step towards normalcy and safety, our guest explains this fear and gives tips on how to overcome it.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Jana Rose Schleis Producer
  • Dean Knetter Producer
  • Colleen Leahy Producer
  • Michele Gerard Good Technical Director
  • Sarah Halpern-Meekin Guest
  • Mike Wall Guest
  • Mary Rogers Guest

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