Ep 17. June 30, 2019

On June 30, 2019, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver aired its 17th episode of the sixth season. In this episode, John Oliver covered a range of topics, starting with the Democratic primary debates that were held earlier in the week. He noted that despite the number of candidates and the influx of money being poured into the race, the debates were largely uneventful and lacked substance.

Oliver also discussed the ongoing crisis at the southern border, particularly the conditions in detention centers that are housing migrants. He highlighted the lack of transparency and accountability from the government, and emphasized the importance of holding officials responsible for the mistreatment of detainees.

The episode also touched on the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. Oliver provided a brief history of the relationship between the two countries, and discussed the recent actions taken by the Trump administration, including the withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the imposition of sanctions. He raised concerns about the possibility of a military conflict and urged caution and diplomacy.

Another topic covered in the episode was the decline of local news outlets. Oliver noted that many newspapers have shut down in recent years, leaving communities without reliable sources of information. He also highlighted the dangers of “news deserts,” areas where there are no local news organizations to hold officials accountable and inform the public.

Finally, the episode featured a segment on corporate consolidation and its impact on the economy. Oliver explained how a few large corporations have come to dominate various industries, resulting in reduced competition, lower wages for workers, and fewer choices for consumers. He also outlined some potential solutions, including increased regulation and antitrust enforcement.

Overall, the June 30th episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver provided a wide-ranging discussion of several important issues happening at the time, combining a blend of humor, analysis, and research. As always, the show offered a unique and informative perspective on the news of the week.