The Daily

Mike Isaac, a technology correspondent for The New York Times, dives deep into the fierce rivalry between Apple and Facebook. He discusses Apple's new privacy feature that lets users control app tracking, which strikes at Facebook's core business model. Their contrasting philosophies on user privacy have escalated tensions, especially after Facebook's data scandals. The conversation explores the implications of this conflict for small businesses and questions whether Apple's privacy advocacy is genuinely altruistic or self-serving in the competitive tech landscape.

Jan Hoffman, a New York Times reporter focused on behavioral health and health law, sheds light on vaccine hesitancy in rural Tennessee, particularly among white Republican evangelical Christians. The conversation reveals familial tensions and the cautious attitudes of local pastors regarding vaccines. A compelling story emerges of a physician turned advocate, sharing his battle with COVID-19 to build trust. The podcast also addresses the need for empathy in conversations about vaccines and discusses localized strategies to improve vaccination rates amidst community concerns.

Joining the discussion is Sarah Viren, a Professor of creative nonfiction and journalist, who penned 'The Accusation.' She unravels the unsettling tale of a woman confronting false sexual-harassment claims against her partner. Viren explores the chaos that ensues amid graduation celebrations and the perils of social media. The emotional toll of navigating accusations and the complexities of truth in storytelling are front and center, shedding light on how fabricated allegations can disrupt lives and careers.

Apoorva Mandavilli, a science and global health reporter for The New York Times, dives into the shifting landscape of herd immunity during the pandemic. She discusses the growing challenges of achieving necessary immunity levels due to widespread vaccine hesitancy and the emergence of new variants. Mandavilli highlights how these factors may lead the U.S. to live in a normalized state without herd immunity. The conversation also considers public health strategies and the necessity of vaccinating the most vulnerable to mitigate impacts.

Cecilia Kang, a New York Times technology and regulatory policy reporter, sheds light on Facebook's oversight board decision regarding Trump's ban after the Capitol riot. She discusses the board as Facebook's ‘Supreme Court’ and its complex role in balancing free speech with moderation. The ruling highlighted the need for clearer guidelines from Facebook and sparked bipartisan criticism. Kang also touches on the broader implications of this decision for content governance in social media and the ongoing challenges it poses.

Motoko Rich, the Tokyo bureau chief for The New York Times, dives into Japan's alarming demographic crisis. With 30% of the population over 65, she highlights the unique cultural response, including villages filled with life-sized dolls symbolizing lost residents. The discussion also touches on the rise of solo women embracing independence, shifting family dynamics, and innovative governmental initiatives aimed at reversing the birthrate decline. Rich provides a poignant look at the societal implications of aging and shrinking populations, both in Japan and globally.

Join Sabrina Tavernise, a National correspondent for The New York Times, as she explores the U.S.'s slowest population growth in nearly a century. The discussion reveals how decreased immigration and faltering birth rates are reshaping family planning decisions among millennials. Tavernise delves into the economic pressures young women face and the wider societal implications of a dwindling population. She also highlights potential policy responses and the interconnected challenges of maintaining economic stability and community health in this new demographic landscape.

Kashmir Hill, a journalist known for her investigations into digital reputations, delves into the murky waters of complaint websites that harm thousands. She highlights the unregulated nature of these platforms and the personal stories of those affected by malicious content. Hill also reveals the exploitative tactics of reputation management companies and their ties to unethical practices. Discussing the intertwining of misinformation and investigative journalism, she emphasizes the essential role of accountability in the digital age.

Dan-el Padilla Peralta, a Dominican-born classics professor at Princeton, passionately critiques the field’s longstanding ties to white supremacy. He discusses how classical studies have perpetuated racial injustices and the urgent need to reshape these narratives. The conversation delves into the grim realities of ancient slavery and emphasizes the importance of diverse voices in academia. Padilla argues for a transformative approach in teaching classics, making it more relevant to contemporary issues of race, identity, and representation.

Dive into the tangled world of election fraud allegations in rural Bladen County, N.C. Discover the accusations against the Bladen County Improvement Association and the wider implications for race and politics. Uncover the gripping narratives that challenge the concept of electoral integrity, alongside the powerful interests that influence these dynamics. Zoe Chace brings the complex realities of local governance and community power to light, unveiling stories that resonate far beyond the election cycle.