Sarah is on holiday so the BBC's US Special Correspondent Katty Kay steps into her breach on Americast, equipped with stories of Dr Anthony Fauci saving a guest at the prestigious Gridiron dinner. The team speak to Marianne Williamson, who found fame as Oprah Winfrey's 'spiritual advisor', and who now wants to usurp Joe Biden to become the Democratic nominee for President, despite newly-emerged allegations of bullying her staffers. There are other challenges for Biden this week, though - Marianna Spring talks us through how the president's controversial plans to approve oil drilling in Alaska are being received online. And a former economist at the United States Department of the Treasury, Brad Setser, explains how damaging the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank is for the US. Americast is presented by the BBC’s US Special Correspondent Katty Kay, Today host Justin Webb, social media and disinformation correspondent Marianna Spring, and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher. Find out more about our award winning "undercover voters" here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63530374. Email Americast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments and send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, to +44 3301239480. This episode was made by Rufus Gray and Alix Pickles. The studio director was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor was Simon Watts. The senior news editor was Sam Bonham.

Twitter insiders have told the BBC that the company is now much less able to protect users from trolling, state-co-ordinated disinformation and child sexual exploitation. Marianna takes the rest of the Americast team though her BBC Panorama investigation into how one of the world’s most influential social media platforms is being transformed by Elon Musk. And she describes how the Twitter CEO has responded to her online. Tech journalist and host of the ON podcast, Kara Swisher, also joins Americast to talk about how social media companies could be regulated in the future. And in the week of International Women’s Day, one of America’s best-known feminist lawyers, Gloria Allred, discusses how far she thinks women’s rights in the US have come in the decades that she has been practicing law. Americast is presented by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today host Justin Webb, the BBC's social media and disinformation correspondent Marianna Spring, and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher. Find out more about our award winning "undercover voters" here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63530374. Email Americast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments and send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, to +44 3301239480. This episode was made by Rufus Gray and Alix Pickles. The studio director was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor was Simon Watts. The senior news editor was Sam Bonham.

America's conservative cable TV channel is being sued for airing false 2020 election fraud claims. And court documents suggest that Fox News anchors reported allegations that the vote was “stolen” from Donald Trump even though they knew they were false. The Washington Post’s media critic Erik Wemple joins the team to talk through what's been happening in the case and a bombshell deposition from Fox News owner Rupert Murdoch. When Coronavirus first spread around the world, everyone wanted to know where it came from. Did it jump from animals to humans in a wet market in the Chinese city of Wuhan? Or was it leaked from a virology lab? No one is entirely sure. But this week not one, but two US intelligence agencies said their best assessment was a lab leak. Stephen Morrison, host of the Coronavirus Crisis Update podcast, gives Americast the latest and explains the political context in Washington. Americast is presented by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today host Justin Webb, the BBC's social media and disinformation correspondent Marianna Spring, and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher. Find out more about our award winning "undercover voters" here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63530374. Email Americast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments and send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, to +44 3301239480. This episode was made by Cat Farnsworth and Alix Pickles. The studio director was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor was Simon Watts. The senior news editor was Sam Bonham.

A busy week for President Biden! On the first anniversary of the Russian invasion, he made a surprise trip to Kyiv to meet President Zelensky, pledging to support Ukraine for "as long as it takes". Biden then gave a speech in Poland to reaffirm America's commitment to Nato. Sarah was on the trip and shares her impressions, and the Americast team also talk to Assistant US Secretary of State Karen Donfried. In Kentucky, a Christian university campus went viral on TikTok after one of its church services turned into a continuous worship session lasting two weeks. We speak to a student about the so-called "Asbury Revival". And former President Jimmy Carter, 98, has been moved to hospice care. Carter served just one term between 1976 and 1980, but what will his legacy be? Americast is presented by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today host Justin Webb, the BBC's social media and disinformation correspondent Marianna Spring, and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher. Find out more about our "undercover voters" here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63530374. Email Americast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments and send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, to +44 3301239480. This episode was made by Phil Marzouk, Cat Farnsworth and Alix Pickles. The studio director was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor was Simon Watts. The senior news editor was Sam Bonham.

As a growing number of flying objects are shot down in US airspace, the Biden administration is still trying to explain just what’s going on...and even fielding the odd question about aliens. Why are Americans so obsessed with extra-terrestrials? Meanwhile, on ground level, many are asking why national media took so long to start covering a major train derailment in Ohio that released hazardous chemicals into the air of a nearby village. In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis has been talking up his move to ban an advanced high school African-American studies course, possibly laying the framework for his presidential bid. Americast talks to Harvard professor, Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, who helped devise the course. And in South Carolina, Anthony has been at the launch of Nikki Haley’s presidential campaign. But does she really stand a chance of winning? Find out more about our "undercover voters" here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63530374. Email Americast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments and send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, to +44 3301239480. This episode was made by Phil Marzouk and Cat Farnsworth. The studio director was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor was Simon Watts. The senior news editor was Sam Bonham.

What clues were there in President Joe Biden’s State of the Union speech that suggest he's considering a run for a second presidential term? The Americast team take a look at what was in it and how his performance has gone down. The US president is already back on the road, but not all Democrats are keen for him to run again. The activist Norman Solomon explains why some on the left of the party would rather Biden stepped aside. And ahead of Super Bowl Sunday we find out what it takes to put together one of the iconic halftime shows with choreographer Fatima Robinson. Americast is presented by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today host Justin Webb, the BBC's social media and disinformation correspondent Marianna Spring and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher. Find out more about our "undercover voters" here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63530374. Email Americast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments and send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, to +44 3301239480. This episode was made by Phil Marzouk, Alix Pickles and Khadra Salad. The studio director was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor was Louisa Lewis. The senior news editor was Sam Bonham.

After shocking video footage was released of the 29-year-old African-American being beaten to death by five black police officers in Memphis, we ask what might stop police brutality in the US. Sarah and her BBC colleague Chelsea Bailey share insights from their reporting trips to Memphis. And we also ask retired African-American LAPD Sergeant Cheryl Dorsey what should be done differently. With Donald Trump revving up his presidential campaign in South Carolina, the Americast team discusses the two other Republicans who are set to challenge him: Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley. Americast is presented by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today host Justin Webb, the BBC's social media and disinformation correspondent Marianna Spring, and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher. Email Americast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments and send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, to 03301239480. Find out more about our "undercover voters" here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63530374. This episode was made by Phil Marzouk and Rufus Gray. The studio director was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor was Simon Watts. The senior news editor was Sam Bonham.

Lies, lies and more lies. We chat to Republican and newspaper publisher Grant Lally who's known George Santos for years. Why were the concerns he raised about the freshman congressman ignored? And what's behind America’s long-term weight issues? Public health policy advocate, Rhea Farberman, talks obesity. Americast is presented by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today host Justin Webb, the BBC's social media and disinformation correspondent Marianna Spring, and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher. Email Americast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments and send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, to 03301239480. Find out more about our "undercover voters" here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63530374. This episode was made by Phil Marzouk and Alix Pickles. The studio director was Jonny Hall. The assistant editor was Simon Watts. The senior news editor was Sam Bonham.

As America approaches 50 years since the Supreme Court made abortion access a constitutional right, the Americast team investigates how the country has changed since that ruling was overturned last June. As many states make abortion illegal, other “sanctuary states” are encouraging women to cross state-lines for abortions. Dr Anne Udall, CEO and president of Planned Parenthood in Oregon, tells us how her state and organisation are doing that. From one anniversary to another as America celebrated the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr this week; but alongside the usual commemorations, the unveiling of a new memorial has divided opinion. Americast is presented by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today host Justin Webb, the BBC's social media and disinformation correspondent Marianna Spring, and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher. Email Americast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments and send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, to 03301239480. Find out more about our "undercover voters" here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63530374. This episode was made by Phil Marzouk and Alix Pickles. The studio director was Michael Regaard. The assistant editor was Simon Watts. The senior news editor was Sam Bonham

A special counsel has been appointed to investigate President Joe Biden after aides found classified documents at his private office and home. The Americast team explains what we know so far, why this spells trouble for the president, and the comparisons between this story and the discovery of hundreds of classified documents at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort. President Biden has also been trying to get his immigration policy in order as his administration's approach faces criticism from both Republicans and Democrats. Cecilia Muñoz, a former political adviser to President Obama on immigration, helps the team get into the complexities of America's border politics. And we investigate the self-styled true crime ‘investigators’ of TikTok, who are gripped by the case of four students murdered in Idaho. We speak to one of them about the dangers of the public getting involved in criminal cases. Americast is presented by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today host Justin Webb, the BBC's social media and disinformation correspondent Marianna Spring, and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher. Email Americast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments and send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, to 03301239480. Find out more about our "undercover voters" here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63530374. This episode was made by Phil Marzouk and Alix Pickles. The studio director was Michael Regaard. The assistant editor was Simon Watts. The senior news editor was Sam Bonham.

The House of Representatives tries (and so far fails) to elect a Speaker. The US House of Representatives has been in deadlock for days after the new Republican majority failed to elect their leading contender Kevin McCarthy as the new Speaker. Americast chats to one of the Republicans voting against him, Representative Ralph Norman, about why they think McCarthy isn’t the man for the job. And the team goes over the key findings from the conclusion of the Jan 6 committee’s inquiry with one of the panel members, Democrat Representative Jamie Raskin. Americast is presented by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today host Justin Webb, the BBC's Ssocial media and disinformation correspondent Marianna Spring, and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher. Email Americast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments and send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, to 03301239480. Find out more about our "undercover voters" here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63530374. This episode was made by Phil Marzouk and Alix Pickles. The studio director was Emma Crowe. The assistant editor was Simon Watts. The senior news editor was Sam Bonham.

The online discussion continues... Since Americast spoke to Dr Anthony Fauci, he has been the subject of Elon Musk tweets. And that’s not all Musk has been up to! The team speaks to a former member of Twitter’s now disbanded Trust and Safety Council about what Musk is doing to online safety. And, as basketball star Brittney Griner is exchanged for notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout, a former White House insider takes us through the growing phenomenon of "hostage diplomacy". Americast is presented by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today host Justin Webb, the BBC's Social Media and Disinformation Correspondent Marianna Spring, and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher. Find out more about our "undercover voters" here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63530374. Email Americast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments and send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, to 03301239480. This episode was made by Phil Marzouk and Alix Pickles. The studio director was Emma Crowe. The assistant editor was Sam Bonham. The senior news editor was Jonathan Aspinwall. Credit: Basketball commentary provided by ESPN Productions Inc.

Americast speaks to the doctor who has served seven US presidents about the US coronavirus response, clashes with Donald Trump and his family being targeted by trolls. And the team discusses the president's troubled, son Hunter Biden. Just what is on THAT laptop? Americast is presented by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today host Justin Webb, the BBC's Social Media and Disinformation Correspondent Marianna Spring, and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher. Find out more about our "undercover voters" here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63530374. Email Americast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments and send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, to 03301239480. This episode was made by Phil Marzouk and Alix Pickles. The studio director was Emma Crowe. The assistant editor was Sam Bonham. The senior news editor was Jonathan Aspinwall.

As more states legalise marijuana, the team explore how America's relationship with the drug has changed. They interview a drug historian and a former adviser to Clinton, Bush Jnr and Obama on drug policy. Americast is presented by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today host Justin Webb, the BBC's Social Media and Disinformation Correspondent Marianna Spring, and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher. Find out more about our "undercover voters" here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63530374 Email Americast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments and send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, to 03301239480. This episode was made by Phil Marzouk, Alix Pickles, Cordelia Hemming and Paige Neal-Holder. The studio director was Emma Crowe. The assistant editor was Sam Bonham. The senior news editor was Jonathan Aspinwall.

The blue tick, Silicon Valley sackings and Donald Trump. What impact is all this having on America? A former content moderator at the company, who was fired by Musk, helps us answer that question. And while many say Twitter is going off-the-rails, we talk through the US railroads. What’s working for them and what isn’t? Americast is presented by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today host Justin Webb, the BBC's Social Media and Disinformation Correspondent Marianna Spring, and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher. Find out more about our "undercover voters" here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63530374 Email Americast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments and send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, to 03301239480. This episode was made by Phil Marzouk and Alix Pickles. The studio director was Emma Crowe. The assistant editor was Sam Bonham. The senior news editor was Jonathan Aspinwall.

The former US President says he will "save" the US by once again running for the White House. One of his advisers, Jason Miller, takes us through his plans. Americast is presented by North America editor, Sarah Smith, Today host, Justin Webb, the BBC's Social Media and Disinformation Correspondent, Marianna Spring, and North America correspondent, Anthony Zurcher. Find out more about our "undercover voters" here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63530374 Email Americast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments and send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, to +443301239480. This episode was made by Phil Marzouk and Alix Pickles. The studio director was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor was Sam Bonham. The senior news editor was Jonathan Aspinwall.

As the midterm results continue to come in, the Americast team are back together in Washington DC taking a closer look at the rivalry between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump. And long-time Republican donor for the Trump campaign Dan K Eberhart tells the team why he thinks the party should move in a different direction following the midterms. Americast is presented by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today presenter Justin Webb, the BBC's Social Media and Disinformation Correspondent Marianna Spring and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher. Find out more about our ‘undercover voters’ here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-62742687 Email Americast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, to +443301239480 This episode is made by Phil Marzouk and Alix Pickles. The studio director is Emma Crowe. The assistant editor is Louisa Lewis. The senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

The Americast team are together in the studio in Washington DC for the first time as results in the midterms continue to come in. In their second episode of the night the team look at where the wins are for both the Republicans and the Democrats. They also explore where it leaves Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump as they look ahead to the elections in 2024. Americast is hosted by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today host Justin Webb, North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher and the BBC's Social Media and Disinformation correspondent Marianna Spring. Find out more about our "undercover voters" here: www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-62742687. Email americast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, to 00443301239480

The Republicans look set to take control of the House of Representatives, but the battle for control of the Senate is on a knife-edge. Sarah, Anthony and Marianna get together in Washington to talk through what's been happening so far in the midterms and why it all matters. Americast is hosted by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today host Justin Webb, North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher and disinformation correspondent Marianna Spring. Find out more about our "undercover voters" here: www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-62742687. Email americast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, to 00443301239480.

President Biden says there is no place for "political violence in America". His warning follows an attack on Paul Pelosi, the husband of US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, last week. Within hours of that attack a series of unsubstantiated claims began circulating on social media contradicting official accounts of what had happened. Those misleading claims then went viral after being amplified by new Twitter chief Elon Musk. The Americast team look at how the attack has led to the sharing of disinformation on social media and Justin and Sarah speak to author Josh Zeitz about the history of political violence in the US. Donald Trump Jr. tweets about our 'undercover voters' and Marianna Spring, the BBC's Social Media and Disinformation correspondent responds. And Anthony returns from Virginia to look at Biden’s record ahead of the midterms. Americast is presented by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today presenter Justin Webb, North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher and Marianna Spring. Find out more about our ‘undercover voters’ here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-62742687 Email Americast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, to +443301239480 This episode is made by Phil Marzouk and Alix Pickles. The studio director is Michael Regaard. The assistant editor is Louisa Lewis. The senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.