In this engaging discussion, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, a health policy correspondent for The New York Times, and Rebecca Robbins, a business reporter specializing in the pharmaceutical industry, explore the historic overhaul empowering Medicare to negotiate drug prices. They dive into the intense lobbying efforts from drugmakers to resist these changes and the potential effects on medication costs for older Americans. The guests shed light on how this could reshape the pharmaceutical landscape, balancing corporate profitability with patient affordability.

In this captivating discussion, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the new Secretary of Health and Human Services and a member of the storied Kennedy family, shares his unexpected journey from Democrat to Trump appointee. Joined by Sheryl Gay Stolberg from the New York Times and Clare Malone of The New Yorker, they delve into the complexities of Kennedy's views on health and vaccines, highlighting his aim to tackle America's chronic disease epidemic. The conversation also touches on the impact of personal tragedy on conspiracy beliefs and the political rift within his own family.

Sheryl Gay Stolberg, a Washington correspondent for The New York Times, discusses the new bipartisan gun safety bill hailed by President Biden as a major step against gun violence. They examine the effectiveness of red flag laws and the urgent need for enhanced mental health services. Stolberg points out critical gaps in the legislation, such as the handling of firearm purchasing ages and high-capacity magazines. Despite these shortcomings, there’s a surprisingly optimistic outlook on the potential for change amidst ongoing tragedies.

Sheryl Gay Stolberg, a Washington correspondent for The New York Times focusing on health policy, shares insights on the latest COVID-19 testing crisis. She discusses how vaccine confidence led to a drop in testing demand, only for it to surge again with the Omicron variant. Stolberg highlights the challenges of matching testing supply to demand, the federal initiative to distribute millions of at-home tests, and public frustrations over accessibility. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for effective government responses in a rapidly changing pandemic landscape.

Sheryl Gay Stolberg, a health policy correspondent for The New York Times, and Heather Murphy, a travel reporter, dive into the fallout from a Florida judge's unexpected ruling that overturned the CDC's mask mandate for travelers. They discuss the chaos that ensued among passengers, the legal challenges against the mandate, and the potential lasting effects on the CDC’s authority. Insights into how this decision could impact future public health responses, especially in emergencies, highlight the delicate balance between individual rights and governmental power.