Grace Yarrow

This discussion features Dan Wong, a Fellow at Stanford's Hoover Institution and author of "Breakneck," diving deep into China's state-driven infrastructure and the trade-offs of rapid development. Grace Yarrow, a Politico reporter, highlights the implications of the ongoing government shutdown on essential nutrition programs like SNAP and WIC. Annika Hammerschlag from the Associated Press shares urgent insights on the endangered dragon's blood trees of Socotra, detailing the ecological and cultural significance of these unique trees facing climate threats.

Grace Yarrow, a food and agriculture policy reporter for POLITICO, and Karen Yi, a local reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, discuss the looming impacts of the government shutdown on SNAP benefits. They highlight how millions could miss payments, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. Grace explains the federal contingency fund's limitations, while Karen shares how New York plans to allocate $11 million for food banks. The conversation reveals urgent community needs and explores local resources for those affected.