Mike Baker, a national reporter for The New York Times, and Christopher Flavelle, a dedicated reporter covering emergency responses, delve into the recent Los Angeles wildfires. They explore the government’s readiness and the emotional toll on residents who lost everything. Discussions reveal deep frustrations over resource shortages and firefighting strategies. The conversation also highlights the growing challenges posed by climate change, underscoring the urgent need for improved disaster management and community preparedness in California's fire-prone areas.

Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, a criminal justice reporter at The New York Times, and Mike Baker, a national reporter, dive into the harrowing New Year's attack in New Orleans. They explore the chaos on Bourbon Street and the tragic loss of 15 lives. The suspect, a U.S. Army veteran turned ISIS supporter, had a chilling journey into radicalization, shaped by personal struggles. The discussion sheds light on the implications for public safety during large events and the communities left grappling with the aftermath.

Mike Baker, a national reporter for The New York Times, dives into Oregon's controversial decriminalization of hard drugs. He outlines the initial hope for a treatment-focused approach and the subsequent rise in overdose deaths that shocked the community. Baker discusses the backlash and calls for renewed restrictions, revealing how Measure 110 has reshaped public opinion on drug policy. He also provides insight into the challenges faced by both lawmakers and residents in navigating this escalating crisis, making for a compelling conversation.

In this compelling discussion, Mike Baker, Seattle bureau chief for The New York Times, shares expert insights on the devastating Maui wildfires. He explains how unique environmental factors transformed Lahaina into a deadly inferno. Idris Nouara, a Lahaina resident, recounts his heart-stopping escape from the flames, reflecting on the intense chaos and fear that engulfed the community. Themes of survival, community resilience, and the catastrophic failures in emergency response paint a vivid picture of a paradise turned into a place of tragedy.

Mike Baker, the Seattle bureau chief and a national correspondent for The New York Times, lends his insights on the tragic death of Tyre Nichols and the disbanded Memphis Scorpion unit. He discusses how this specialized team, initially hailed for crime reduction, became a source of community fear due to its brutal tactics. The conversation highlights the urgent need for police reform and accountability, as well as the complex challenges faced by Memphis's police leadership amidst the push for change.

Mike Baker, the Seattle bureau chief for The New York Times, delves into the struggles faced by public health officials during the pandemic. He discusses how over 100 new laws have curtailed their authority, undermining the response to health crises. The conversation reveals a troubling erosion of trust between officials and the public fueled by misinformation and political tensions. Baker emphasizes the implications of these legislative changes and the resulting conflicts that have left public health agencies vulnerable and less effective.

Dave Henson, a 40-year-old naval officer and abuse survivor, shares his harrowing journey after being sexually assaulted in the Boy Scouts. He discusses the emotional trauma and alcoholism that followed his experiences. Alongside Mike Baker, Seattle bureau chief for The New York Times, they delve into the shocking wave of nearly 100,000 abuse claims against the Boy Scouts. They reflect on the complexities of trust, heroism, and the urgent need for systemic change to protect children, highlighting the broader implications of these revelations.

Zolan Kanno-Youngs, a Homeland security correspondent for The New York Times, and Mike Baker, the Pacific Northwest correspondent, dive into the escalating tensions in Portland. They discuss the chaotic federal response to protests, including the deployment of militarized agents and the community's outcry over heavy-handed tactics. The conversation reveals how local leaders feel overwhelmed by federal intervention, and the unique protest methods employed, like using pool noodles, provide a glimpse into the creativity of grassroots resistance amid turmoil.

Mike Baker, a Pacific Northwest correspondent for The New York Times, teams up with Ted McFall, a Washington beekeeper and first responder to the 'murder hornet' crisis. They discuss the alarming arrival of the Asian giant hornet in the U.S., which decapitates honeybees and threatens food supply. McFall shares his encounters with these deadly invaders, the innovative traps being developed, and the urgent need to capture hornet queens. The conversation highlights the ecological impact and the resilience of bees, drawing parallels to societal challenges faced during crises.

Mike Baker, the Pacific Northwest correspondent for The New York Times, discusses the initial coronavirus outbreak in Washington State and the failures of containment strategies. He shares insights on the rapid spread of the virus and the emotional chaos families faced, including a heartrending story from Bridget Parkhill about her mother in a locked-down nursing facility. The conversation highlights the struggle for information, the challenges of testing, and the broader political implications stemming from the crisis.