The Daily

Donald G. McNeil Jr., a seasoned science and health reporter for The New York Times, provides crucial insights on the pandemic. He discusses the FDA's controversial approval of convalescent plasma and its unclear efficacy, drawing parallels to past treatments. The conversation shifts to the alarming reinfection case in Hong Kong, raising doubts about immunity. Additionally, McNeil examines the vaccine distribution strategies in the U.S., Russia, and China, highlighting the urgent challenges and risks in the race for effective COVID-19 solutions.

Ashley Southall, a journalist from the New York Times, dives into the alarming rise of gun violence in New York City, where 2020 has seen more shootings than all of 2019. She discusses the pandemic's impact on social issues like poverty and unemployment that fuel this crisis. Southall also tackles the contentious dialogue around police funding and the disbanding of anti-crime units, exploring how community trust has eroded. The conversation balances the complexities of crime trends with a critical look at systemic inequalities and the effects of recent criminal justice reforms.

Scott Sternberg, a fashion designer and founder of Entire World, discusses the seismic shifts in the fashion industry due to the pandemic. He shares insights on how consumer behavior has transformed, sparking a rise in sweatsuit sales while traditional luxury items face devaluation. Sternberg highlights the challenges of overproduction and the industry's flawed practices, advocating for sustainability and a direct-to-consumer approach. His experiences reveal resilience amid uncertainty and the need for reinvention in a post-pandemic world.

Marc Stein, an NBA reporter for The New York Times, gives an insider's look at the unique basketball bubble during the pandemic. He shares how the league transformed Disney World into a quarantined hub for players and staff to continue the season and avoid massive financial losses. Stein discusses the emotional atmosphere, from replicating home-court experiences to grappling with social justice issues. His anecdotes reveal both the absurdities and challenges faced within this surreal environment, all while navigating a world turned upside down.

Matt Flegenheimer, a national politics reporter for The New York Times, joins Joe Biden, the former Vice President and current Democratic presidential nominee, to discuss Biden's long political journey. They explore Biden's early blunders and the personal tragedies shaping his career. The conversation shifts to his evolution from a Senate stalwart to a VP under Obama, revealing the resilience that defines his candidacy. The duo also reflects on how his experiences with loss influence his leadership vision, especially as he faces the November election.

Luke Broadwater, a Congressional reporter for The New York Times, dives into the controversial actions of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and their implications for election integrity. He highlights how DeJoy's cuts have sparked fears of mail delays that could disenfranchise voters during a critical election. The discussion also touches on the political maneuvers surrounding Postal Service funding and the intense scrutiny faced by the Trump administration. Broadwater's insights shed light on the ongoing battle over mail-in voting amidst rising tensions.

Mark Landler, the London bureau chief at The New York Times, discusses a pivotal dinner in 2018 that changed Middle Eastern relations. He shares insights about the secret conversation between UAE ambassador Yousef al-Otaiba and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, leading to their countries' normalization of ties. This agreement, influenced by the Trump administration, poses significant implications for Palestinians and suggests a redefined geopolitical landscape. Landler’s expertise shines through as he navigates the complexities of diplomacy in a shifting political climate.

Katie Thomas, a New York Times reporter specializing in the health care sector, dives into the whirlwind of Operation Warp Speed. She discusses the staggering $11 billion allocated to vaccine development and the potential pitfalls of accelerated processes, including cronyism and political influence. Thomas highlights concerns over the safety and integrity of vaccines amidst a push for rapid deployment. She also underscores the critical role of investigative journalism in providing transparency about the vaccine distribution strategy as the nation wrestles with urgency and expectations.

Robert Draper, a writer-at-large for The New York Times Magazine, delves into the complex ties between President Trump and the intelligence community. He explores the 2020 election's Russian interference, highlighting a classified report that exposed Trump as Russia's favored candidate. Draper discusses the shifting dynamics in intelligence during Trump's presidency, marked by fear and self-censorship among officials. The conversation reveals trust issues, political pressures, and the struggle for integrity within the intelligence landscape.

Julia Bond, assistant apparel designer at Adidas and a passionate advocate for racial justice, has been protesting for accountability at her company regarding systemic racism. She shares her personal journey from being an aspiring designer to confronting workplace discrimination. Bond highlights her emotional experiences, the need for genuine apologies from leadership, and the struggle to maintain activism while navigating job security. Her courageous stand is a powerful call for change in corporate cultures across the industry.