The Daily

Ben Hubbard, the Beirut bureau chief for The New York Times, dives into President Biden's controversial engagement with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. They discuss Biden’s shift from branding Saudi Arabia a 'pariah' to seeking collaboration amid rising oil prices. Hubbard highlights the tense fist bump at their meeting, the implications for human rights post-Khashoggi, and the strategic outcomes, including efforts in technology and regional security. It’s a captivating exploration of the complexities in U.S.-Saudi relations.

The exploration of prison consulting reveals its growing importance in today's judicial landscape. Justin Paperny and Michael Santos, both former convicts, offer unique insights and guidance for individuals facing incarceration. The role of storytelling is crucial for defendants to navigate their legal challenges effectively. One striking narrative details Hugo Mejia's journey from Bitcoin trading to seeking support to prepare for sentencing. The podcast emphasizes viewing incarceration not just as punishment, but as an opportunity for personal growth and rehabilitation.

Kenneth Chang, a science reporter for The New York Times, dives into the wonders unveiled by the James Webb Space Telescope. He captures the excitement of ancient galaxies and newborn stars, discussing the telescope's launch and its cutting-edge technology. Chang highlights the potential for discovering exoplanets and the tantalizing hints of extraterrestrial life. The conversation reflects on the emotional journey of scientists and the groundbreaking nature of these celestial images, painting a vivid picture of our universe.

Emily Schmall, South Asia correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the crisis engulfing Sri Lanka, where protests have led to the president fleeing and citizens overtaking his palace. She discusses the rise and fall of the Rajapaksa family’s economic strategies that initially transformed Sri Lanka into a success story. Schmall sheds light on the impact of excessive debt, mismanagement, and global challenges like COVID-19 and the Ukraine war. The conversation paints a vivid picture of a nation in turmoil and its lessons for other developing countries.

Nate Cohn, a domestic correspondent for The Upshot at The New York Times, dives into shifting expectations for the midterm elections. He discusses a new poll revealing potential resilience among Democrats, particularly among white, college-educated voters. Cohn highlights how recent Supreme Court rulings may have inadvertently bolstered Democratic support. He also contrasts Biden's low approval ratings with voter preferences, emphasizing the strategic challenges Democrats face in mobilizing diverse voter blocs amidst pressing issues like abortion and democracy.

Kate Conger, a technology reporter for The New York Times, dives into the twists and turns of Elon Musk's $44 billion Twitter acquisition saga. She discusses Musk's initial ambitions for the platform, including his controversial views on free speech and bot accounts. As Musk attempts to back out of the deal, Conger unpacks the legal fallout and the uncertainty now faced by Twitter. Exploring the tension between Musk's lofty goals and the platform's current instability, she highlights what this means for the future of social media.

In this discussion, Kate Zernike, a political reporter for The New York Times, delves into the pivotal events of 2010 that shaped abortion laws in America. She highlights how the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was linked to the rise of hardline Republican legislators. The conversation explores the shift in the pro-life movement and the strategic political maneuvers, including gerrymandering, that allowed conservative factions to impose restrictive legislation, significantly altering public access to abortion services.

Explore the controversial history of the Earth Liberation Front, known for its radical tactics like arson against symbols of ecological destruction. The narrative examines the evolving landscape of environmental activism, where even mainstream groups are adopting more confrontational strategies. It delves into personal journeys of former radicals and the implications of escalating actions on both activism and law enforcement. The discussion raises critical questions about the effectiveness and morality of these drastic measures in the face of a looming climate crisis.

Mark Landler, the London bureau chief for The New York Times, dives deep into the dramatic final days of Boris Johnson’s premiership. He discusses the chaos leading to Johnson's resignation, spotlighting key controversies like the 'Partygate' scandal. The internal conflict within the Conservative Party is examined, revealing the pressures from resigning ministers. Landler also reflects on the future of Johnson, poised between political comeback and public backlash, leaving listeners pondering his controversial legacy.

James Bopp, the general counsel for the National Right to Life Committee, is a key figure in the anti-abortion movement and has fought for decades to overturn Roe v. Wade. He shares personal motivations behind the movement’s strategies. Bopp discusses the historical evolution of anti-abortion efforts, the complexities of navigating legal battles, and the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision on abortion rights. The conversation highlights ongoing state-level challenges and the shifting political landscape in the aftermath of this historic ruling.