Ep 19. August 5, 2018

The episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver that aired on August 5, 2018, tackled a wide range of topics that included nuclear waste, the US midterm elections, and drug rehabilitation facilities.

John Oliver began the episode by discussing the problem of nuclear waste disposal in the US. He highlighted the risks associated with storing nuclear waste in temporary containers, and the failure of previous attempts to create a permanent repository for nuclear waste. Oliver explained the importance of finding a solution to this problem, given that the US relies heavily on nuclear power and produces large amounts of nuclear waste. He also pointed out the various challenges that the US faces in finding a site for a permanent repository, such as NIMBYism (not in my backyard) and political opposition.

Next, Oliver turned his attention to the upcoming US midterm elections, which were only a few months away at the time. He criticized the lack of cybersecurity measures in place to prevent election interference, and highlighted the vulnerability of electronic voting machines to hacking. Oliver also touched on the issue of voter suppression, discussing the various ways in which state governments have made it more difficult for certain groups of people to vote.

Following this, Oliver shifted gears to discuss drug rehabilitation facilities in the US. He talked about the difficulties that people with addiction face in getting the help they need, and the lack of regulation in the drug rehabilitation industry. Oliver highlighted the fact that many drug rehabilitation facilities use unproven methods or even harmful practices, and that some facilities are more interested in making money than helping patients recover. He also discussed the use of forced labor in some drug rehabilitation facilities, where patients are made to work long hours for little to no pay.

Throughout the episode, Oliver used his trademark blend of humor and research to shed light on important issues facing the US. He also made an effort to provide his viewers with actionable steps they could take to help push for change, such as calling their elected representatives or supporting organizations working towards solutions.

Overall, the August 5, 2018 episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver was an informative and engaging look at some of the most pressing issues facing the US. Oliver's ability to tackle serious topics with both humor and intelligence continues to make his show a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding and improving the world around them.